Isoforms of gata6 and nkx2-1 as markers for diagnosis and therapy of cancer and as targets for anti-cancer therapy

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, in particular lung cancer, comprising the measurement of the amounts of specific isoforms of GATA6 and/or NKX2-1 in a sample of said subject. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a composition for use in medicine comprising (an) inhibitor(s) of specific isoforms of GATA6 and/or NKX2-1. Additionally, the present invention relates to a kit for use in a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, in particular lung cancer.

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer comprising the measurement of the amounts of specific isoforms of GATA6 and/or NKX2-1 in a sample of said subject. Accordingly, the present invention relates to the fields of medicine as well as diagnostics, in particular to personalized medicine and molecular biomarkers. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a composition for use in medicine, in particular in cancer therapy, said composition comprising an inhibitor of specific isoforms of GATA6 and/or NKX2-1. Additionally, the present invention relates to a kit for use in a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. Therefore, the present invention relates to means and methods for stratifying patients for the medical intervention with (a) anticancer therapy or specific additional close diagnostic screening for cancer development.

The term cancer covers a broad class of diseases, which is unified by the malignant hyperproliferation of cells. The term includes solid tumors as for example sarcoma and carcinoma as well as liquid tumors like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Cancer can be initiated by the activation or deregulation of certain genes, so called proto-oncogenes. When upregulated and/or activated, these genes can initiate a cascade of molecular events eventually leading to a cell's ability to hyperproliferate thereby initiating the development of malignant neoplasms. The identification of novel specific proto-oncogenes provides novel targets for the treatment and/or the prevention of cancer.

Lung cancer is a typical model cancer with a very high prevalence. Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. There are two major classes of lung cancer, non small cell lung cancer (contributing to 85% of all lung cancers) and small cell lung cancer (the remaining 15%). Symptoms of lung cancer are often subtle in nascent stages (Herbst R S et al., (2008) N Engl J Med 359(13):1367-80). Consequently, the majority of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages making successful therapeutic approaches challenging and prognosis poor. Therefore, early diagnosis of lung cancer is crucial to increase the probability of a successful therapy. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for lung cancer initiation is extremely important.

Lung cancer cells show an enhanced expression of transcription factors that are present during embryonic development in the endoderm as GATA6 (GATA Binding Factor 6), NKX2-1 (NK2 homeobox 1, also known as Ttf-1, Thyroid transcription factor-1), FOXA2 (Forkhead box protein A2), and ID2 (Inhibitor of DNA binding 2) (Guo M et al., (2004) Clin Cancer Res. 10(23): 7917-24; Kendall J et al., (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 104(42): 16663-8; Tang Y et al., (2011) Cell Res. 21(2): 316-26; Rollin J et al., (2009) PLoS One. 4(1): e4158). It was recently demonstrated that lung adenocarcinoma initiates from clonal expansion of cells expressing high levels of Nkx2-1 and progress to a more aggressive state with low expression of Nkx2-1 (see Winslow (2011) Nature 473(7345): 101-104). GATA6 has been shown to be abundantly expressed in malignant mesotheliomas, and to a small extent, in metastatic adenocarcinomas (see Lindholm (2009) Journal of Clinical Pathology 62(4): 339-344). In addition, GATA6 regulates tumorigenesis related genes, such as KRAS, an oncogene activated by point mutations (see Gorshkove (2005) Biochemistry (Mosc):70: 1180-1184).

GATA6, FOXA2 and NKX2-1 are crucial for early lung development. Genetic analyses with knockout animals demonstrated their role in lung endoderm differentiation and postnatal repair and homeostasis. Nkx2-1, Gata6 and Foxa2 are expressed in respiratory epithelial cells throughout lung morphogenesis. They all have been shown to bind and trans-activate many lung specific promoters, including SftpA-, SftpB-, SftpC- and Scgb1a1-promoters (Bruno M D et al., (1995) 270(12): 6531-6; Margana R K and Boggaram V. (1997) J Biol Chem. 272(5): 3083-90). Mice harboring a Nkx2-1 null mutation show severe attentuation of lung airway branching. In addition, the lung epithelial cells present in these mice lack expression of putative targets like SftpC (Minoo P et al., (1999) Dev Biol. 209(1): 60-71). Conditional deletion of Gata6 in the lung endoderm demonstrated its central role in lung endoderm gene expression, proliferation and branching morphogensis. (Keijzer R et al., (2001) Development 128(4): 503-11). A loss of Foxa2 in the lung can be compensated by Foxa1. However, a loss of both Foxa1/2 also dramatically inhibits endoderm differentiation and branching morphogenesis. (Wan H et al., (2005) J Biol Chem. 280(14): 13809-16). Foxa2 has also been shown to be essential for the transition to breathing air at birth (Wan H et al., (2004) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 101(40): 14449-54).

Current cancer therapy is such that it treats cancer cells as a homogenous cell population. However, in recent years, it has been demonstrated that most tumors contain a mixture of principally two populations, the majority of the cells are able to proliferate and only a small population of these cells has the potential for self renewal. This small population of cells is highly tumorigenic, resistant to chemotherapy and shows a de-differentiated phenotype. Malignant cells with these properties have been termed as ‘cancer stem cells’. It has become clear that cancer treatment that fails to eliminate these cancer stem cells has a substantial risk of tumor relapse. Consequently, there is an enormous need to understand the origin of these cells and specifically target them for therapy (Eramo A et al., (2010) Oncogene 29(33): 4625-35).

As discussed above, late diagnosis of cancer is a main hindrance for successful cancer therapy. The prognosis of lung cancer patients depends on the severity of the disease. If detected early, at Stage I, the 5 year survival rate for lung cancer patients is about 80% and drops to about 1% if the disease is advanced to stage IV with the development of metastatic lesions (European Society for Medical Oncology (2009, May 9), Early Detection Of Lung Cancer, ScienceDaily, retrieved from the world wide web at sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502093211.htm). Therefore, early detection and subsequent treatment of lung cancer is the most promising strategy to reduce related mortality. This is not only true for lung cancer but also for a variety of further malignant neoplasms.

Accordingly, there is a need for new techniques allowing a reliable and early diagnosis of cancer as well as for further and/or alternative treatment options in cancer therapy. Thus, the technical problem underlying the present invention is the provision of reliable means and methods for the detection of cancer, in particular lung cancer, and for the determination of treatment options.

The solution to this technical problem is provided by the embodiments as defined herein and as characterized in the claims.

In accordance with this invention, a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer is found, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform wherein said specific transcription     isoform is either     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in a control sample; -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific transcription     factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in (a)/(the) control sample.

It is demonstrated by the disclosure of this application that certain transcription factors share a common structure, with two promoters driving the expression of two distinct transcripts. It is surprisingly found that though different isoforms exist only one is oncogenic and is indicative of the presence/development of cancer (see Examples 2 and 3 of the present application). The embryonic GATA6 and NKX2-1 “Em” transcripts as defined by the present invention are found to be detectable in high levels in human lung cancer cell lines and patient lung cancer biopsies (see Examples 2 and 3 of the present application). Remarkably, these cancer specific isoforms are oncogenic and forced overexpression in cell lines as well as in mice results in a tumorigenic phenotype (see Examples 4, 6 and 7 of the present application). This is illustrated by the finding of the present invention that mice develop adenocarcinoma as early as 5 weeks after transfection with one of those specific embryonic “Em” isoforms. Further, it is surprisingly found that these specific “Em” isoforms can be detected in the blood of mice that are induced for tumor formation, showing their usability as early diagnostic markers for cancer, in particular lung cancer (see Example 3 of the present application).

The present invention has the technical advantage that the inventive means and methods provided herein enable the attending physician or medical personal to start preferably at an early point of time the relevant medicinal intervention, like anti-cancer medication and/or radiation therapy. Accordingly, the presence of an increased amount of the specific transcription factor Em (i.e. GATA6 Em and/or NKX2-1 Em isoform) in a (biological) sample as compared to a standard or control sample leads to (early) anti-cancer therapy and/or closer and more intense diagnostic cancer screening and/or cancer surveillance. An “increased amount”/“increased expression” of the specific transcription factor Em (i.e. GATA6 Em and/or NKX2-1 Em isoform) in a (biological) sample as compared to a standard or control sample can be, inter alia, an expression increase of at least about 1.3-fold in comparison to the control.

The present invention also provides in the appended examples for evidence that an increased amount (increased expression) of Ad (adult) isoform of e.g. Gata6 (in contrast to the embryonic “Em isoform” of Gata6) in comparison to a control sample can be indicative for fibrotic events, in particular for lung fibrosis; see also appended illustrative Example 9 and FIG. 8.

The method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer according to the present application preferably relates to an in vitro method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. In accordance with the invention, the term “cancer” encompasses any malignant neoplasm. This includes but is not limited to solid tumors as for example sarcoma and carcinoma as well as to liquid tumors like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Preferably, the present invention allows the detection of lung cancer.

The person skilled in the art understands that a subject which is prone to suffering from cancer is a subject which has an increased likelihood of developing cancer within the next 30 years or preferably within the next 20 or 10 years or even more preferably within the next 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 years or even furthermore preferably within the next year. An increased likelihood of a subject of developing cancer can be understood as that said subject has an increased likelihood of developing cancer within a given time period as if compared to the average likelihood that a subject of the same age or a subject of the same age and the same gender develops cancer.

The term “sample” according to the present invention relates to any kind of sample which can be obtained from a subject, preferably from a human subject. The sample is a biological sample. A sample according to the present invention can be for example, but is not limited to, a blood sample, a breath condensate sample, a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample, a mucus sample or a phlegm sample. Preferably, the sample according to the present invention is a blood sample or a breath condensate sample. The term “breath condensate sample” as used herein refers to an “exhaled breath condensate (sample)”. The term “exhaled breath condensate (sample)” can be abbreviated as “EBC”. Accordingly, the terms “breath condensate sample”, “exhaled breath condensate”, “exhaled breath condensate sample” and “EBC” are used interchangeably herein. The use of “breath condensate sample”, in particular “exhaled breath condensate (sample)” allows the non-invasive obtaining of samples from a subject/patient and is therefore advantageous.

In accordance with this invention, a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer is found, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform selected from the group of specific     transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform in a control sample; -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific transcription     factor isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform in the control sample.

Again, as already pointed out herein above, the increased amount of said specific transcription factor isoform in said sample leads to fast medical intervention for example by means of corresponding anti-cancer therapy, like anti-cancer medication or radiation therapy. Early stage anti-cancer therapies include, but are not limited to, radiation therapy, such as external radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) using an endoscope and surgery (i.e. wedge resection or segmental resection for carcinoma in situ and sleeve resection or lobectomy for Stagel). In addition, chemotherapy is used alone or after surgery. The chemotherapy drugs may, inter alia, comprise compounds selected from the group consisting of Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel (Taxol®), Albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel, Abraxane®), Docetaxel (Taxotere®), Gemcitabine (Gemzar®), Vinorelbine (Navelbine®), Irinotecan (Camptosar®, CPT-11), Etoposide (VP-16®), Vinblastine and Pemetrexed (Alimta®).

The present invention provides also for a method for stratifying, subjecting or seek out subjects or groups of subjects (patients or patient groups) for the treatment with (a) anti-cancer drug(s) and/or radiation therapy, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform wherein said specific transcription     isoform is either     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in a control sample; and -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific transcription     factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in the control sample.     wherein an increased amount of specific transcription factor Em     (GATA6 Em isoform and/or NKX2-1 Em isoform) indicates that the     subjects or groups of subjects is/are suitable and in need for     therapy with (a) anti-cancer drug(s) and/or radiation therapy and     that the subjects or groups of subjects should be treated with said     anti-cancer drug and/or radiation therapy. Said subject is     preferably a human subject/patient.

Also in this context of the invention of, i.e. the stratification of patients/patient groups for the need of anti-cancer therapy and/or radiation therapy, FOXA2 Em isoform and/or ID2 Em isoform may be determined as described herein.

The term “specific transcription factor Em isoform” according to the present application relates to specific isoforms of the transcription factors GATA6 (Uniprot-ID: Q92908; Gene-ID: 2627), NKX2-1 (Uniprot-ID: P43699; Gene-ID: 7080), FOXA2 (Uniprot-ID: Q9Y261; Gene-ID: 3170) and ID2 (Uniprot-ID: Q02363; Gene-ID:3398). If, for example, the amount of a specific transcription factor is measured on mRNA level, the specific transcription factor can be mRNA molecules (or transcript or splice variants). In this context, the transcription factors can be defined as

-   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ     ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence     with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of     SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid     sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ     ID NO: 2; -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of     SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid     sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ     ID NO: 3; or -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ     ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid sequence with     up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 4.

If, for example, the amount of a specific transcription factor is measured on protein level, the specific transcription factor can be protein molecules. For example, they can be defined as

-   v) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ     ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide     sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ     ID NO: 50; -   vi) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ     ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide     sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ     ID NO: 51; -   vii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ     ID No: 52 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising polypeptide sequence     with up to 43 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO:     52; or -   viii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ     ID No: 53 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising polypeptide sequence with     up to 13 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 53.

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform as a polypeptide wherein said specific     transcription isoform is either     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 50; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 51; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in a control sample; and -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific transcription     factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in the control sample.

Again, an increased amount or said specific transcription factor Em isoform as compared to a control sample leads to modified medical intervention and/or closer diagnostic surveillance.

The herein provided methods are primarily useful in the assessment whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer before the subject undergoes therapeutic intervention. In other words, the sample of the subject is obtained from the subject and analyzed prior to therapeutic intervention, like conventional chemotherapy. If the subject is assessed “positive” in accordance with the present invention, i.e. assessed to suffer from cancer or prone to suffering from cancer, the appropriate therapy/therapeutic intervention can be chosen. For example, a subject may be suspected of suffering from cancer and the present methods can be used to assess whether the subject suffers indeed from said cancer in addition or in the alternative to conventional diagnostic methods.

Following positive diagnosis with the herein provided inventive method, the diagnosis may be elucidated/further verified with low-dose helical computed tomography and/or Chest X-Ray, by bronchoscopy and/or histological assessment. In early stage or Grade I tumors, surgery to remove the lobe or the section of the lung that contains the tumor would be the first choice of treatment. It is feasible to supplement the surgery with chemotherapy, known as ‘adjuvant chemotherapy’, to prevent cancer relapse (Howington J A et al. (2013) CHEST Journal 143: e278S-e313S). At later stages, surgery is no longer feasible and a combination of chemotherapy and radiation are advised. Further, for metastatic lesions, chemotherapy and radiation are suggested, mainly for palliation of the symptoms.

The term “isoform” according to the present invention encompasses transcript variants (which are mRNA molecules) as well as the corresponding polypeptide variants (which are polypeptides) of a gene. Such transcription variants result, for example, from alternative splicing or from a shifted transcription initiation. Based on the different transcript variants, different polypeptides are generated. It is possible that different transcript variants have different translation initiation sites. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of an isoform can be measured by adequate techniques for the quantification of mRNA as far as the isoform relates to a transcript variant which is an mRNA. Examples of such techniques are polymerase chain reaction-based methods, in situ hybridization-based methods, microarray-based techniques and whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing. Further, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount of an isoform can be measured by adequate techniques for the quantification of polypeptides as far as the isoform relates to a polypeptide. Examples of such techniques for the quantification of polypeptides are ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay)-based, gel-based, blot-based, mass spectrometry-based, and flow cytometry-based methods.

It was surprisingly found by the inventors that those specific Em transcription factor isoforms are markers of the development of cancer. It was further surprisingly found that those specific Em isoforms of the transcription factors can be detected with an increased abundance in a sample obtained from a subject who suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer if compared to a control sample from healthy control subjects.

Genes can contain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The specific transcription factor Em isoform sequences of the present invention encompass (genetic) variants thereof, for example, variants having SNPs. Without deferring from the gist of the present invention, all naturally occurring sequences of the respective isoform independent of the number and nature of the SNPs in said sequence can be used herein. To relate to currently known SNPs, the transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention are defined such that they contain up to 55 (in the case of GATA6), up to 39 (in the case of NKX2-1), up to 68 (in the case of FOXA2) or up to 34 (in the case of ID2) additions, deletions or substitutions of the nucleic acid sequences defined by SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Thus, respective Em transcripts of carriers of different nucleotides at the respective SNPs are covered by the present application.

The GATA6 Em isoform according to the invention is the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55; preferably up to 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 or 20; even more preferably up to 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7. 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 1. The GATA6 Em isoform can also be defined as the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 163; 293; 320; 327; 339; 430; 462; 480; 759; 1128; 1256; 1304; 1589; 1597; 1627; 1651; 1652; 1803; 1844; 1849; 1879; 1882; 1911; 1940; 1949; 1982; 2000; 2002; 2008; 2026; 2031; 2106; 2137; 2142; 2163; 2294; 2390; 2391; 2627; 2691; 3036; 3102; 3240; 3265; 3266; 3290; 3358; 3366; 3578; 3632; 3646; 3670; 3690; 3708 and 3735. The GATA6 Em isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85% homology to SEQ ID No: 1, preferably up to 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% homology to SEQ ID No: 1; even more preferably up to 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 1.

The NKX2-1 Em isoform according to the invention is the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39; preferably up to 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or 10; even more preferably up to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 2. The NKX2-1 Em isoform can also be defined as the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 269; 281; 305; 304; 420; 425; 439; 441; 450; 486; 781; 785; 825; 950; 1169; 1305; 1344; 1448; 1458; 1467; 1489; 1552; 1633; 1634; 1640; 1641; 1643; 1667; 1673; 1678; 1748; 1750; 1831; 1893; 1916; 1917; 1934; 2099 and 2319. The NKX2-1 Em isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 90% homology to SEQ ID No: 2, preferably up to 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% homology to SEQ ID No: 2; even more preferably up to 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 2.

The FOXA2 Em isoform according to the invention is the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 68; preferably up to 67, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 61, 60, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 54, 53 52, 51, 50, 49, 48 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 or 20; even more preferably up to 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7. 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 3. The FOXA2 Em isoform can also be defined as the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 3 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 168; 208; 289; 361; 368; 374; 379; 383; 404; 459; 481; 483; 494; 529; 564; 577; 584; 590; 610; 623; 641; 650; 659; 674; 773; 845; 1040; 1075; 1186; 1188; 1240; 1242; 1243; 1304; 1374; 1391; 1408; 1414; 1432; 1458; 1475; 1487; 1522; 1539; 1582; 1583; 1594; 1627; 1631; 1687; 1723; 1737; 1738; 1754; 1812; 1831; 1838; 1940; 1966; 1970; 2070; 2083; 2084; 2093; 2105; 2112; 2200 and 2388. The FOXA2 Em isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 93% homology to SEQ ID No: 3, preferably up to 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% homology to SEQ ID No: 3; even more preferably up to 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 3.

The ID2 Em isoform according to the invention is the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 34; preferably up to 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or 10; even more preferably up to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 4. The ID2 Em isoform can also be defined as the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 4 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 6; 43; 53; 55; 154; 195; 209; 224; 237; 263; 286; 360; 399; 405; 485; 501; 544; 547; 605; 662; 665; 716; 757; 871; 876; 975; 1085; 1115; 1119; 1149; 1151; 1251; 1333 and 1350. The ID2 Em isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 51% homology to SEQ ID No: 4, preferably up to 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90% homology to SEQ ID No: 4; even more preferably up to 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 4.

Preferably, the above referred “addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s)” of the transcription factor isoforms are substitutions.

Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 provide information on different SNPs of the transcription factors of the present invention. The present invention relates to the respective isoforms independently from the various SNPs which may occur at the different positions of the mRNAs or polypeptides. The SNPs of tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 may occur in the isoforms of the present invention in any combination. For example, a (genetic) variant of the GATA6 Em isoform to be used herein may comprise a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, whereby the “G” residue at position 293 of SEQ ID NO:1 is substituted by “A”. Further variants of the isoforms to be used herein are apparent from Tables 1 to 8 to the person skilled in the art. The respective SNP information has been retrieved using dbSNP (short genetic variations) database of the NCBI. The SNP information is based on Contig Label GRCh37.p5. A person skilled in the art will understand that also SNPs which are not mentioned in tables 1 to 8 are encompassed by the present invention.

TABLE 1 SNPs of the GATA6 Em isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 163 C G 2 CCDS 293 G A 6 Missense Gly-Ser 3 CCDS 320 G C 15 Missense Gly-Arg 4 CCDS 327 C G 17 Missense Ala-Gly 5 CCDS 339 C G 21 Missense Ala-Gly 6 CCDS 430 G T 51 Missense Glu-Asp 7 CCDS 462 — T 62 Frameshift TA-Thr 8 CCDS 480 A T 68 Missense Glu-Val 9 CCDS 759 C T 161 Missense Ala-Val 10 CCDS 1128 C G 284 Missense Ala-Gly 11 CCDS 1256 C A 327 Missense His-Asn 12 CCDS 1304 G A 343 Missense Ala-Thr 13 CCDS 1589 C T 438 Missense Arg-Trp 14 CCDS 1597 T A 440 Synonymous Leu-Leu 15 CCDS 1627 A G 450 Synonymous Thr-Thr 16 CCDS 1651 C T 458 Synonymous Asn-Asn 17 CCDS 1652 G A 459 Missense Ala-Thr 18 CCDS 1803 A G 509 Missense Asn-Ser 19 CCDS 1844 T C 523 Missense Ser-Pro 20 CCDS 1849 T C 524 Synonymous Asp-Asp 21 CCDS 1879 A G 534 Synonymous Thr-Thr 22 CCDS 1882 A G 535 Synonymous Gln-Gln 23 CCDS 1911 T G 545 Missense Val-Gly 24 CCDS 1940 C G 555 Missense Pro-Ala 25 CCDS 1949 A G 558 Missense Ser-Gly 26 CCDS 1982 T C 569 Missense Tyr-His 27 CCDS 2000 G C 575 Missense Ala-Pro 28 CCDS 2002 C T 575 Synonymous Ala-Ala 29 CCDS 2008 G C 577 Synonymous Pro-Pro 30 CCDS 2026 C T 583 Synonymous Ser-Ser 31 CCDS 2031 G T 585 Missense Arg-Leu 32 3′ UTR 2106 C T 33 3′ UTR 2137 G A 34 3′ UTR 2142 A G 35 3′ UTR 2163 C T 36 3′ UTR 2294 C T 37 3′ UTR 2390 A G 38 3′ UTR 2391 T A 39 3′ UTR 2627 A G 40 3′ UTR 2691 G T 41 3′ UTR 3036 G T 42 3′ UTR 3102 A G 43 3′ UTR 3240 C T 44 3′ UTR 3265 C G 45 3′ UTR 3266 C T 46 3′ UTR 3290 A G 47 3′ UTR 3358 C T 48 3′ UTR 3366 A T 49 3′ UTR 3578 C T 50 3′ UTR 3632 — C 51 3′ UTR 3646 C T 52 3′ UTR 3670 A G 53 3′ UTR 3690 C T 54 3′ UTR 3708 A G 55 3′ UTR 3735 A G

TABLE 2 SNPs of the GATA6 Ad isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 138 C G 2 5′ UTR 228 G A 3 5′ UTR 255 G C 4 5′ UTR 262 C G 5 5′ UTR 274 C G 6 5′ UTR 365 G T 7 5′ UTR 397 — T 8 5′ UTR 415 A T 9 CCDS 694 C T 15 Missense Ala-Val 10 CCDS 1063 C G 138 Missense Ala-Gly 11 CCDS 1191 C A 181 Missense His-Asn 12 CCDS 1239 G A 197 Missense Ala-Thr 13 CCDS 1524 C T 292 Missense Arg-Trp 14 CCDS 1532 T A 294 Synonymous Leu-Leu 15 CCDS 1562 A G 304 Synonymous Thr-Thr 16 CCDS 1586 C T 312 Synonymous Asn-Asn 17 CCDS 1587 G A 313 Missense Ala-Thr 18 CCDS 1738 A G 363 Missense Asn-Ser 19 CCDS 1779 T C 377 Missense Ser-Pro 20 CCDS 1784 T C 378 Synonymous Asp-Asp 21 CCDS 1814 A G 388 Synonymous Thr-Thr 22 CCDS 1817 A G 389 Synonymous Gln-Gln 23 CCDS 1846 T G 399 Missense Val-Gly 24 CCDS 1875 C G 409 Missense Pro-Ala 25 CCDS 1884 A G 412 Missense Ser-Gly 26 CCDS 1917 T C 423 Missense Tyr-His 27 CCDS 1935 G C 429 Missense Ala-Pro 28 CCDS 1937 C T 429 Synonymous Ala-Ala 29 CCDS 1943 G C 431 Synonymous Pro-Pro 30 CCDS 1961 C T 437 Synonymous Ser-Ser 31 CCDS 1966 G T 439 Missense Arg-Leu 32 3′ UTR 2041 C T 33 3′ UTR 2072 G A 34 3′ UTR 2077 A G 35 3′ UTR 2098 C T 36 3′ UTR 2229 C T 37 3′ UTR 2325 A G 38 3′ UTR 2326 T A 39 3′ UTR 2562 A G 40 3′ UTR 2626 G T 41 3′ UTR 2971 G T 42 3′ UTR 3037 A G 43 3′ UTR 3175 C T 44 3′ UTR 3200 C G 45 3′ UTR 3201 C T 46 3′ UTR 3225 A G 47 3′ UTR 3293 C T 48 3′ UTR 3301 A T 49 3′ UTR 3513 C T 50 3′ UTR 3567 — C 51 3′ UTR 3581 C T 52 3′ UTR 3605 A G 53 3′ UTR 3625 C T 54 3′ UTR 3643 A G 55 3′ UTR 3670 A G

TABLE 3 SNPs of the NKX2-1 Em isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 269 C T 2 5′ UTR 281 A G 3 5′ UTR 305 — A 4 5′ UTR 304 — AA 5 CCDS 420 G A 27 Missense Val-Met 6 CCDS 425 C T 28 Synonymous Gly-Gly 7 CCDS 439 G T 33 Missense Gly-Val 8 CCDS 441 C A 34 Missense Leu-Ile 9 CCDS 450 C T 37 Missense Pro-Ser 10 CCDS 486 C T 49 Missense Pro-Ser 11 CCDS 781 G T 147 Missense Gly-Val 12 CCDS 785 C T 148 Synonymous Asp-Asp 13 CCDS 825 A C 162 Synonymous Arg-Arg 14 CCDS 950 G T 203 Synonymous Thr-Thr 15 CCDS 1169 G A 276 Synonymous Ala-Ala 16 CCDS 1305 G A 322 Missense Gly-Ser 17 CCDS 1344 G T 335 Missense Ala-Ser 18 CCDS 1448 G A 369 Synonymous Arg-Arg 19 3′ UTR 1458 C T 20 3′ UTR 1467 C T 21 3′ UTR 1489 G T 22 3′ UTR 1552 G T 23 3′ UTR 1633 A G 24 3′ UTR 1634 A G 25 3′ UTR 1640 — T 26 3′ UTR 1641 — GT 27 3′ UTR 1643 — >6 bp 28 3′ UTR 1667 A T 29 3′ UTR 1673 — T 30 3′ UTR 1678 — T 31 3′ UTR 1748 — C 32 3′ UTR 1750 — C 33 3′ UTR 1831 A T 34 3′ UTR 1893 G T 35 3′ UTR 1916 — A 36 3′ UTR 1917 — A 37 3′ UTR 1934 C G/T 38 3′ UTR 2099 C G 39 3′ UTR 2319 C G

TABLE 4 SNPs of the NKX2-1 Ad isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 12 G T 2 CCDS 125 G A 10 Missense Arg-Gln 3 CCDS 265 G A 57 Missense Val-Met 4 CCDS 270 C T 58 Synonymous Gly-Gly 5 CCDS 284 G T 63 Missense Gly-Val 6 CCDS 286 C A 64 Missense Leu-Ile 7 CCDS 295 C T 67 Missense Pro-Ser 8 CCDS 331 C T 79 Missense Pro-Ser 9 CCDS 626 G T 177 Missense Gly-Val 10 CCDS 630 C T 178 Synonymous Asp-Asp 11 CCDS 670 A C 192 Synonymous Arg-Arg 12 CCDS 795 G T 233 Synonymous Thr-Thr 13 CCDS 1014 G A 306 Synonymous Ala-Ala 14 CCDS 1150 G A 352 Missense Gly-Ser 15 CCDS 1189 G T 365 Missense Ala-Ser 16 CCDS 1293 G A 399 Synonymous Arg-Arg 17 3′ UTR 1303 C T 18 3′ UTR 1312 C T 19 3′ UTR 1334 G T 20 3′ UTR 1397 G T 21 3′ UTR 1478 A G 22 3′ UTR 1479 A G 23 3′ UTR 1478 — >6 bp 24 3′ UTR 1485 — T 25 3′ UTR 1486 — GT 26 3′ UTR 1488 — >6 bp 27 3′ UTR 1512 A T 28 3′ UTR 1518 — T 29 3′ UTR 1523 — T 30 3′ UTR 1593 — C 31 3′ UTR 1595 — C 32 3′ UTR 1676 A T 33 3′ UTR 1738 G T 34 3′ UTR 1761 — A 35 3′ UTR 1762 — A 36 3′ UTR 1779 C G/T 37 3′ UTR 1944 C G 38 3′ UTR 2164 C G

TABLE 5 SNPs of the FOXA2 Em isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 168 — >6 bp 2 CCDS 208 T C 8 Missense Leu-Pro 3 CCDS 289 G A 35 Missense Ser-Asn 4 CCDS 361 G A 59 Missense Ser-Asn 5 CCDS 368 G A 61 Synonymous Ser-Ser 6 CCDS 374 C T 63 Synonymous Asn-Asn 7 CCDS 379 G A 65 Missense Ser-Asn 8 CCDS 383 G A 66 Synonymous Ala-Ala 9 CCDS 404 G T 73 Synonymous Ser-Ser 10 CCDS 459 G A 92 Missense Ala-Thr 11 CCDS 481 C T 99 Missense Ser-Leu 12 CCDS 483 G C 100 Missense Ala-Pro 13 CCDS 494 C T 103 Synonymous Ala-Ala 14 CCDS 529 G A 115 Missense Ser-Asn 15 CCDS 564 A G 127 Missense Met-Val 16 CCDS 577 C G 131 Missense Ala-Gly 17 CCDS 584 C T 133 Synonymous Tyr-Tyr 18 CCDS 590 C A 135 Missense Asn-Lys 19 CCDS 610 T C 142 Missense Met-Thr 20 CCDS 623 G C 146 Synonymous Ala-Ala 21 CCDS 641 C T 152 Synonymous Arg-Arg 22 CCDS 650 G A 155 Synonymous Lys-Lys 23 CCDS 659 G T 158 Missense Arg-Ser 24 CCDS 674 C T 163 Synonymous His-His 25 CCDS 773 G T 196 Missense Met-Ile 26 CCDS 845 C T 220 Synonymous Asn-Asn 27 CCDS 1040 A G 285 Synonymous Gly-Gly 28 CCDS 1075 C T 297 Missense Ala-Val 29 CCDS 1186 C T 334 Missense Ala-Val 30 CCDS 1188 G C 335 Missense Ala-Pro 31 CCDS 1240 C T 352 Missense Ala-Val 32 CCDS 1242 G A 353 Missense Ala-Thr 33 CCDS 1243 C G 353 Missense Ala-Gly 34 CCDS 1304 A C 373 Missense Glu-Asp 35 CCDS 1374 AG — 397 Frameshift Ser-Pro 36 CCDS 1391 A G 402 Synonymous Gln-Gln 37 CCDS 1408 T C 408 Missense Leu-Pro 38 CCDS 1414 C T 410 Missense Ala-Val 39 CCDS 1432 A C 416 Missense His-Pro 40 CCDS 1458 C A 425 Missense Pro-Thr 41 CCDS 1475 G A 430 Missense Met-Ile 42 CCDS 1487 G C 434 Synonymous Thr-Thr 43 CCDS 1522 C G 446 Missense Ala-Gly 44 CCDS 1539 C G 452 Missense Gln-Glu 45 3′ UTR 1582 G T 46 3′ UTR 1583 A G 47 3′ UTR 1594 C T 48 3′ UTR 1627 A G 49 3′ UTR 1631 A G 50 3′ UTR 1687 A G 51 3′ UTR 1723 A C 52 3′ UTR 1737 — G 53 3′ UTR 1738 — G 54 3′ UTR 1754 A G 55 3′ UTR 1812 A G 56 3′ UTR 1831 A T 57 3′ UTR 1838 — T 58 3′ UTR 1940 A C 59 3′ UTR 1966 — G/T 60 3′ UTR 1970 — A 61 3′ UTR 2070 A T 62 3′ UTR 2083 A G 63 3′ UTR 2084 — T 64 3′ UTR 2093 — T 65 3′ UTR 2105 A C 66 3′ UTR 2112 C T 67 3′ UTR 2200 C T 68 3′ UTR 2388 A G

TABLE 6 SNPs of the FOXA2 Em isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 5 C T 2 5′ UTR 37 G T 3 5′ UTR 65 C T 4 5′ UTR 68 A C 5 5′ UTR 70 A G 6 5′ UTR 88 A G 7 5′ UTR 128 C T 8 CCDS 195 T C 2 Missense Leu-Pro 9 CCDS 276 G A 29 Missense Ser-Asn 10 CCDS 348 G A 53 Missense Ser-Asn 11 CCDS 355 G A 55 Synonymous Ser-Ser 12 CCDS 361 C T 57 Synonymous Asn-Asn 13 CCDS 366 G A 59 Missense Ser-Asn 14 CCDS 370 G A 60 Synonymous Ala-Ala 15 CCDS 391 G T 67 Synonymous Ser-Ser 16 CCDS 446 G A 86 Missense Ala-Thr 17 CCDS 468 C T 93 Missense Ser-Leu 18 CCDS 470 G C 94 Missense Ala-Pro 19 CCDS 481 C T 97 Synonymous Ala-Ala 20 CCDS 516 G A 109 Missense Ser-Asn 21 CCDS 551 A G 121 Missense Met-Val 22 CCDS 564 C G 125 Missense Ala-Gly 23 CCDS 571 C T 127 Synonymous Tyr-Tyr 24 CCDS 577 C A 129 Missense Asn-Lys 25 CCDS 597 T C 136 Missense Met-Thr 26 CCDS 610 G C 140 Synonymous Ala-Ala 27 CCDS 628 C T 146 Synonymous Arg-Arg 28 CCDS 637 G A 149 Synonymous Lys-Lys 29 CCDS 646 G T 152 Missense Arg-Ser 30 CCDS 661 C T 157 Synonymous His-His 31 CCDS 760 G T 190 Missense Met-Ile 32 CCDS 832 C T 214 Synonymous Asn-Asn 33 CCDS 1027 A G 279 Synonymous Gly-Gly 34 CCDS 1062 C T 291 Missense Ala-Val 35 CCDS 1173 C T 328 Missense Ala-Val 36 CCDS 1175 G C 329 Missense Ala-Pro 37 CCDS 1227 C T 346 Missense Ala-Val 38 CCDS 1229 G A 347 Missense Ala-Thr 39 CCDS 1230 C G 347 Missense Ala-Gly 40 CCDS 1291 A C 367 Missense Gly-Glu 41 CCDS 1361 AG — 391 Frameshift Ser-Pro 42 CCDS 1378 A G 396 Synonymous Gln-Gln 43 CCDS 1395 T C 402 Missense Leu-Pro 44 CCDS 1401 C T 404 Missense Ala-Val 45 CCDS 1419 A C 410 Missense His-Pro 46 CCDS 1445 C A 419 Missense Pro-Thr 47 CCDS 1462 G A 424 Missense Met-Ile 48 CCDS 1474 G C 428 Synonymous Thr-Thr 49 CCDS 1509 C G 440 Missense Ala-Gly 50 CCDS 1526 C G 446 Missense Gln-Glu 51 3′ UTR 1569 G T 52 3′ UTR 1570 A G 53 3′ UTR 1581 C T 54 3′ UTR 1614 A G 55 3′ UTR 1618 A G 56 3′ UTR 1674 A G 57 3′ UTR 1710 A C 58 3′ UTR 1724 — G 59 3′ UTR 1725 — G 60 3′ UTR 1741 A G 61 3′ UTR 1799 A G 62 3′ UTR 1818 A T 63 3′ UTR 1825 — T 64 3′ UTR 1927 A C 65 3′ UTR 1953 — G/T 66 3′ UTR 1957 — A 67 3′ UTR 2057 A T 68 3′ UTR 2070 A G 69 3′ UTR 2071 — T 70 3′ UTR 2080 — T 71 3′ UTR 2092 A C 72 3′ UTR 2099 C T 73 3′ UTR 2187 C T 74 3′ UTR 2375 A G

TABLE 7 SNPs of the ID2 Em isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 1 5′ UTR 6 C T 2 5′ UTR 43 A G 3 5′ UTR 53 A G 4 5′ UTR 55 C G 5 5′ UTR 154 C G/T 6 CCDS 195 C T 4 Missense Phe-Phe 7 CCDS 209 C T 9 Missense Ser-Phe 8 CCDS 224 G A 14 Missense Ser-Asn 9 CCDS 237 C T 18 Synonymous His-His 10 CCDS 263 C A 27 Missense Thr-Asn 11 CCDS 286 C T 35 Synonymous Leu-Leu 12 CCDS 360 G A 59 Synonymous Val-Val 13 CCDS 399 C T 72 Synonymous Ile-Ile 14 CCDS 405 C T 74 Synonymous Asp-Asp 15 CCDS 485 C T 101 Missense Thr-Met 16 CCDS 501 C G/T 106 Synonymous Leu-Leu 17 CCDS 544 C T 121 Missense Pro-Ser 18 CCDS 547 T A 122 Missense Ser-Thr 19 3′ UTR 605 A G 20 3′ UTR 662 C G 21 3′ UTR 665 G T 22 3′ UTR 716 A T 23 3′ UTR 757 C T 24 3′ UTR 871 A G 25 3′ UTR 876 A G 26 3′ UTR 975 — >6 bp 27 3′ UTR 1085 — >6 bp 28 3′ UTR 1115 A G 29 3′ UTR 1119 — AT 30 3′ UTR 1149 C T 31 3′ UTR 1151 A T 32 3′ UTR 1251 — CA 33 3′ UTR 1333 A G 34 3′ UTR 1350 C G

TABLE 8 SNPs of the ID2 Ad isoform Contig Codon Protein S. No. Region Position reference Polymorphism Position Function residue 5 5′ UTR 93 C G/T 6 CCDS 134 C T 4 Missense Phe-Phe 7 CCDS 148 C T 9 Missense Ser-Phe 8 CCDS 163 G A 14 Missense Ser-Asn 9 CCDS 176 C T 18 Synonymous His-His 10 CCDS 202 C A 27 Missense Thr-Asn 11 CCDS 225 C T 35 Synonymous Leu-Leu 12 CCDS 299 G A 59 Synonymous Val-Val 13 CCDS 338 C T 72 Synonymous Ile-Ile 14 CCDS 344 C T 74 Synonymous Asp-Asp 15 CCDS 424 C T 101 Missense Thr-Met 16 CCDS 440 C G/T 106 Synonymous Leu-Leu 17 CCDS 483 C T 121 Missense Pro-Ser 18 CCDS 486 T A 122 Missense Ser-Thr 19 3′ UTR 544 A G 20 3′ UTR 601 C G 21 3′ UTR 604 G T 22 3′ UTR 655 A T 23 3′ UTR 696 C T 24 3′ UTR 810 A G 25 3′ UTR 815 A G 26 3′ UTR 914 — >6 bp 27 3′ UTR 1024 — >6 bp 28 3′ UTR 1054 A G 29 3′ UTR 1058 — AT 30 3′ UTR 1088 C T 31 3′ UTR 1090 A T 32 3′ UTR 1190 — CA 33 3′ UTR 1272 A G 34 3′ UTR 1289 C G

A control sample according to the present invention is a sample from a healthy control subject. Such a sample can be obtained for example from a subject known to be a healthy subject. It is also possible to generate a control sample according to the present invention as a mixture of samples obtained from several healthy subjects, for example from a group of 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 or even up to 1000 healthy subjects. A control sample according to the present invention can be generated for example from age-matched and or gender-matched healthy control subjects. A control sample according to the present invention can also be generated for example in vitro to mimic a control sample obtained from one or several healthy subjects.

Control samples used, inter alia, in appended Example 10 for the analysis of tumor biopsies were healthy tissues (i.e. biopsies) from diseased individuals/subjects. “Healthy tissue from diseased individuals/subjects” can refer to tissue that is pathologically classified as “normal” or “healthy” and/or that is distant or adjacent to a (suspected) tumor. For example, the “healthy tissue from diseased individuals/subjects” can be obtained e.g. by biopsy from adjacent healthy tissue of (suspected) cancer patients.

For example, the “healthy tissue” can be obtained from the subject(s) to be assessed in accordance with the present invention for suffering from cancer or being prone to suffering from cancer. In another example, the “healthy tissue” can be obtained from other diseased patients (e.g. patients that have already been diagnosed to suffer from cancer by conventional means and methods or patients that have a history of cancer); in that case, “healthy tissue” is not obtained from subject(s) to be assessed in accordance with the present invention for suffering from cancer or being prone to suffering from cancer.

Thus, also “healthy tissue from (a) diseased individual(s)” can be used as a control sample in accordance with the present invention.

Control samples used, inter alia, in appended Example 10 in the analysis of EBCs for assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffer from cancer were samples from healthy individuals. The term “healthy individuals” as used herein can refer to individuals with no history of cancer, i.e. individuals that did not suffer from cancer or that do currently (i.e. at the time the control sample is obtained) not suffer from cancer. Thus, “healthy tissue/sample” (i.e. tissue (e.g. a biopsy) or another sample (e.g. EBC) obtained from a healthy individual” can be used as a control sample in accordance with the present invention.

A subject according to the present invention is preferably a human subject. The subject according to the present invention can be a human subject which has an increased likelihood of suffering from cancer. Such an increased likelihood of suffering from cancer can for example result from certain exposures to cancerogens, for example through the habit of smoking.

The “amount of said specific transcription isoform” according to the present invention can be a relative amount or an absolute amount. The relative amount can be determined relative to a control sample. To determine the “amount of said specific transcription isoform”, the absolute or relative amount of a reference gene or reference protein can be determined in the sample from the subject and in the control sample. Non-limiting examples of reference genes/proteins are TUBA1A1 (Uniprot-ID: Q71U36, Gene-ID: 7846), HPRT1 (Uniprot-ID: P00492, Gene-ID: 3251), ACTB (Uniprot-ID: P60709, Gene-ID: 60), HMBS (Uniprot-ID: P08397, Gene-ID: 3145), RPL13A (Uniprot-ID: Q9BSQ6, Gene-ID: 23521) and UBE2A (Uniprot-ID: P49459, Gene-ID: 7319).

The term “is increased in comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform in the control sample” relates to an increase of the amount of the specific transcription factor isoform in the sample obtained from the subject in comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform in the control sample by at least 1.3-fold, by at least 1.4-fold, 1.5-fold, 1.6-fold, 1.7-fold, 1.8-fold, 1.9-fold or 2.0-fold, by at least 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold or 10-fold; by at least 20-fold, by at least 30-fold, by at least 40-fold; by at least 50-fold; or by at least 100-fold. Illustrative data provided herein for GATA6 and NKX2-1 are summarized in the following table and further illustrate the invention without being limiting:

Normal Grade I Grade II Grade III Gata6 Em 1.0 2.7 6.7 1.9 Ad 2.3 1.1 0.5 0.5 Ratio (Em/Ad) 0.435 2.5 13.4 3.8 Fold increase of Em 2.7 6.7 1.9 relative to control Nkx2-1 Em 1.0 1.6 5.3 5.7 Ad 2.9 1.6 0.9 1.8 Ratio (Em/Ad) 0.3 1.0 5.9 3.2 Fold increase of 1.6 5.3 5.7 Em related to ctrl

According to a more refined analysis in appended Example 10 the following thresholds were determined:

GATA6 Em NKX2-1 Em Mean ± s.e.m. 2.240 ± 0.453 3.359 ± 1.053 fold increase of Em relative 1.194 - 5.064  1.393 - 10.661 to control (range)

These data confirm that the methods provided herein allow a reliable assessment that a subject suffers from cancer, in particular lung cancer, such as NSCLC or small cell lung cancer (SLC), or is prone to suffering from said cancer, when the amount of the (analyzed) specific transcription factor Em isoform GATA6 Em and/or NKX2-1 Em is increased by at least about 1.3 fold in comparison to the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoform(s) in the control sample. In relation to the Em isoform GATA6 Em a reliable assessment that a subject suffers from cancer, in particular lung cancer, such as NSCLC or small cell lung cancer (SLC), or is prone to suffering from said cancer, is possible, when the amount of the (analyzed) specific transcription factor Em isoform GATA6 Em and/or NKX2-1 Em is increased by at least about 1.2 fold in comparison to the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoform(s) in the control sample.

Without being bound by theory and the concrete values provided herein in particular in the experimental part, for example for NKX2-1, an increase of at least 1.3 fold (over control) would be a reason to observe the subject in periodical manner (i.e. every 3 to 6 months). An increase of at least about 1.6 (over control) fold would be a reason for more detail analysis and elucidation of the most suitable treatment (i.e. targeting the isoform that is increased using, inter alia, but not limited to a “loss-of-function approach”; see also appended FIG. 2B and technical details provided in the appended examples. Potential and preferred treatment options have been provided herein above. Yet, the attending physician may also decide to make use of other and/or further medical and/or pharmaceutical intervention(s). For GATA6, as illustrated about, again, an increase of about 1.3-fold (over control) to about 2.7 (over control) merits closer observation of the subject/patient Potential and preferred treatment options have been provided herein above. Yet, the attending physician may also decide to make use of other and/or further medical and/or pharmaceutical intervention(s). Again, in accordance with the illustrative data provided herein for GATA6, an increase of at least about 2.7 (over control) merits a more detailed analysis and elucidation of the most suitable treatment form of the cancer.

The method according to the present invention may comprise the step of obtaining a sample from a patient, wherein this sample is preferably a blood sample.

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said transcription     factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the two specific     isoforms are either:     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform nucleic         acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to         38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5; or     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3.

It is surprisingly found that the ratio of the transcription factor Em isoform and the transcription factor Ad isoform according to the present invention is increasing in the process of the development of cancer (see Example 3 of the present application). This allows a very early detection of cancer using any of the methods of the present invention. Further, this surprising finding also allows the staging of cancer, i.e. to assess the stage of a cancer of a subject with a method of the present invention alone or with a method of the present invention in combination with further methods for the staging of cancer (see, inter alia, Example 3 appended herewith).

To compute the ratio of the amount of the Em isoform and the amount of the Ad isoform according to the present invention, the person skilled in the art preferably divides the amount of the Em isoform by the amount of the Ad isoform. This is possible if the amounts are absolute amounts as well as if the amounts are relative amounts, for examples amounts which are given in relation to one or several reference genes. As documented herein (see FIG. 2B of Example 3 of the present application), the corresponding ratio for GATA6 is deduced at about 0.5 (0.435 in table presented herein above), for NKX2-1 at about 0.3 and for FOXA2 at about 0.8 when (as done in the appended examples) quantitative measures are taken by real time PCR for the ratio of Em/Ad.

As documented herein (see, inter alia, FIG. 2B of Example 3 of the present application), the Em-isoforms are highly expressed in human lung cancer tissue. In the appended examples, isoform specific expression was monitored by (for example) qRT-PCR after total RNA isolation from human lung tumor and normal lung cryosections. The expression of the Em-isoform/Em-transcript of each one of the genes analyzed, in particular GATA6,NKX2-1 and FOXA2, was higher in the tested cancer samples when compared to the normal controls, documenting that indeed an increase in expression of the Em-isoforms of GATA6 and NKX2-1 and, in co-assessments also of FOXA2 and/or ID2 are relevant and indicative for the development/formation of cancer, in particular for lung cancer formation as documented herein. This was also confirmed in human cancer specimens, in particular when human lung biopsies from healthy donors and lung tumor patients were compared; see also appended FIG. 2B. The embryonic transcript of each one of the genes analyzed was enriched in the biopsies of lung tumor when compared to the healthy tissue. In accordance with the data presented herein for lung cancer, for GATA6 Em, NKX2-1 Em and FOXA2 Em isoforms, a diagnostic ratio for GATA6 is 0.5, for NKX2-1 is 0.3 and for FOXA2 is 0.8. In the following, non limiting examples for FOXA 2 as elucidated form the experimental part of this application are provided:

Normal Grade I Grade II Grade III Foxa2 var1 0.8 3.19 15.34 5.59 var2 1.00 1.44 1.50 0.45 Ratio (Em/ 0.80 2.21 10.20 12.55 Ad) 3.99 19.17 6.98 Id2 Em (Var 1) 1 1.182787 3.831565 1.639342 Ad (Var 2) 1.08543 0.78787 1.12586 0.62216 Ratio (Em/ 0.9 1.5 3.4 2.6 Ad) 1.182787 3.831565 1.639342

As demonstrated in the appended examples, the thresholds/ratios of 0.5 in relation to GATA6 or 0.3 in relation to NKX2-1 are useful to assess whether a patient suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. If the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5 a subject is assessed herein as suffering from cancer or as being prone to suffering from cancer. If the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than 0.3, a subject is assessed herein as suffering from cancer or as being prone to suffering from cancer.

It is understood that different ethnic groups can show a certain variation in these ratios. For example, appended example 10 provides an assessment of a large sample set including patients from all ethnic groups (CEU, Utah residents with ancestry from northern and western Europe; CHB, Han Chinese in Beijing, China and MXL, Mexican ancestry in Los Angeles, Calif.). It is demonstrated therein that healthy tissue (biopsies) from all diseased patients in all ethnic groups had a mean Em/Ad ratio of 0.642 for GATA6 and 0.475 for NKX2-1. These values are slightly increased compared to the threshold values of 0.5 and 0.3 respectively, which is due to the inclusion of a more heterogeneous population set (including all three ethnic groups). Importantly, however, the majority of the healthy samples lies in the range of 0.3-0.7 for GATA6 and 0.3-0.5 for NKX2-1.

The data provided inter alia in appended Example 10 employed control samples (biopsies) obtained from adjacent healthy tissue of lung cancer patients.

Also healthy donor tissue from unaffected, healthy individuals (no current or history of tumors) can be used as control samples in the herein provided methods as “control samples”. It is demonstrated herein that the ratio of Em/Ad was <0.3 for GATA6 and <0.2 for NKX2-1 in these control samples, as shown below:

The ratios obtained using “healthy” donor lung tissues are 0.17±0.03 for GATA6 and 0.16±0.02 for NKX2-1, lower than the ones obtained from healthy tissues from diseased individuals; see the table below:

Em/Ad GATA6 NKX2-1 0.219218 0.211487 0.08244 0.271615 0.06726 0.176477 0.346862 0.164339 0.224829 0.193047 0.219752 0.123482 0.06256 0.08117 0.176477 0.047586 Mean 0.17 0.16 s.e.m. 0.03505 0.025586

This demonstrates that the threshold values/ratios of 0.5 in relation to GATA6 or 0.3 in relation to NKX2-1 are indeed useful to assess whether a patient suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer.

Again, it is understood that these thresholds/ratios can vary depending on the values determined in control samples due to variations within ethnic groups, due to variations in sample types (e.g. biopsy or EBC), or origin (e.g. obtained from a healthy individual or obtained from healthy tissue from a diseased individual/subject). It is of note that subjects suffering from cancer or prone to suffering from cancer can reliably be diagnosed herein, because samples obtained from these subjects (e.g. a biopsy from a suspected tumor or EBC, exhaled breath condensate) show, even and in particular at early stages of the tumor, an increased Em/Ad ratio compared to the control. As shown in the appended examples, the Em/Ad ratios in samples from diseased patients is consistently increased compared to that of control samples (irrespective of the ethnic groups, sample type or origin of sample). The Em/Ad ratios in samples from diseased patients was always shown to be higher than 1. The lowest Em/Ad ratio shown in a sample from diseased patients was about 1.5.

The data shown in appended example 10 are summarized in the following table:

Mean values ± s.e.m. GATA6 Biopsies Healthy Tumor Grade I GradeII Grade III 0.64 ± 0.05 2.63 ± 2.39 ± 3.43 ± 2.83 ± 0.19 0.25 0.24 0.59 EBC Healthy Tumor 0.47 ± 0.11 1.53 ± 0.27 NKX2-1 Biopsies Healthy Tumor Grade I GradeII Grade III 0.46 ± 0.03 2.07 ± 1.87 ± 2.58 ± 3.78 ± 0.22 0.12 0.25 0.39 EBC Healthy Tumor 0.45 ± 0.05 2.77 ± 0.29

The data show that the Em/Ad ratios obtained from EBCs and biopsies are comparable supporting that the EBCs can be used as a non-invasive, sensitive and specific cancer diagnostic method, in particular lung cancer diagnostic method, that is advantageous for screening in particular high risk patients compared to conventional methods including chest X-ray and low dose computed tomography.

This shows that the present invention provides a reliable diagnosis of cancer patients, in particular of lung cancer patients.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the transcription factor to be verified is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5; at least higher than 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or preferably higher than 1. More preferably, the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 1.5. Thus, the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be higher than 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2, or even higher, for example higher than 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.

In one embodiment, said transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than 0.3, at least higher than 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or preferably higher than 1. More preferably, the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than 1.7. Thus, the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be higher than 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2; or even higher for example higher than 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 in order to be indicative for the development/formation of cancer, in particular for lung cancer formation.

In one embodiment, said transcription factor is FOXA2 and the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of FOXA2 is higher than 0.8; at least higher than 0.9, 1.0. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2; higher than 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 or 3; higher than 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15 in order to be indicative for the development/formation of cancer, in particular for lung cancer formation. In one embodiment, said the transcription factor is ID2 and the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of ID2 is higher than 1; at least higher than 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2; higher than 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 or 3; higher than 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15 in order to be indicative for the development/formation of cancer, in particular for lung cancer formation.

Threshold values/ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 indicating that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer can be about 0.7 or higher (in particular 1.0 or higher), if control sample(s) is/are healthy tissue(s) (obtained preferably in this context by biopsy) from diseased patients. Threshold values/ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 indicating that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer can be about 0.25 or 0.3 or higher (in particular 1.0 or higher), if control sample(s) is/are healthy tissue(s) (obtained preferably in this context by biopsy) from healthy individuals. For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 2.6 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from cancer or being prone to suffering from cancer in accordance with the present invention.

The herein provided method can be used to stratify/assess subjects according to the tumor/cancer grade. It can be helpful to assess whether a patient is suffering from Grade I, Grade II or Grade III tumor/cancer in order to decide which therapeutic intervention is warranted.

The definition of Grade I, Grade II and Grade III tumor is based on TNM classification recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (Goldstraw P. et al. (2007) J Thorac Oncol. 2(8):706-14; Beadsmoore C J and Screaton N J (2003) Eur J Radiol. 45(1):8-17; Mountain C F (1997) Chest. 111(6):1710-7.), which is incorporated herein by reference.

Ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 2.4 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from Grade I cancer or being prone to suffering from Grade I cancer in accordance with the present invention. Ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 3.4 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from Grade II cancer or being prone to suffering from Grade II cancer in accordance with the present invention. Ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 2.8 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from Grade III cancer or being prone to suffering from Grade III cancer in accordance with the present invention.

Again, preferred herein is lung cancer, in particular non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Particularly preferred is non-small cell lung cancer.

Threshold values/ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 indicating that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer can be about 0.6 or higher (in particular 1.0 or higher), if control sample(s) is/are exhaled breath condensate(s) from healthy individuals. For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 1.5 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context exhaled breath condensate(s)) from a subject assessed to suffer from cancer or being prone to suffering from cancer in accordance with the present invention.

Also here, lung cancer is preferred, in particular non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Particularly preferred is non-small cell lung cancer.

Threshold values/ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 indicating that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer can be about 0.5 or higher (in particular 1.0 or higher), if control sample(s) is/are healthy tissue(s) (obtained preferably in this context by biopsy) from diseased patients. Threshold values/ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 indicating that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer can be about 0.2 or 0.3 or higher (in particular 1.0 or higher), if control sample(s) is/are healthy tissue(s) (obtained preferably in this context by biopsy) from healthy individuals. For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 2.0 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from cancer or being prone to suffering from cancer in accordance with the present invention.

The herein provided method can be used to stratify/assess subjects according to the tumor/cancer grade. It can be helpful to assess whether a patient is suffering from Grade I, Grade II or Grade III tumor/cancer in order to decide which therapeutic intervention is warranted.

Ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 1.9 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from Grade I cancer or being prone to suffering from Grade I cancer in accordance with the present invention. Ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 2.6 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from Grade II cancer or being prone to suffering from Grade II cancer in accordance with the present invention. Ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 3.8 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from Grade III cancer or being prone to suffering from Grade III cancer in accordance with the present invention.

Again, preferred herein is lung cancer, in particular non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Particularly preferred is non-small cell lung cancer.

Threshold values/ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 indicating that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer can be about 0.5 or higher (in particular 1.0 or higher), if control sample(s) is/are exhaled breath condensate(s) from healthy individuals. For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 2.8 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context exhaled breath condensate(s)) from a subject assessed to suffer from cancer or being prone to suffering from cancer in accordance with the present invention.

Also here, lung cancer is preferred, in particular non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Particularly preferred is non-small cell lung cancer.

The appended examples demonstrate that the herein provided methods can be reliably used for assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer, preferably lung cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Though most of the data provided herein relate to non-small cell lung cancer, FIG. 13B and Example 10 demonstrate that the herein provided methods allow also for a reliable assessment whether a subject suffers from small cell lung cancer.

For example, the small cell lung cancer sample assessed herein showed the following ratios:

Em/Ad for Gata6—Biopsy—2.9743; Em/Ad for Gata6 EBC—3.12 Em/Ad for Nkx2.1—Biopsy—3.544; Em/Ad for Nkx2.1 EBC—3.584

Thus, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 of 1.0 or higher and/or ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 of 1.0 or higher indicate that a subject suffers from small cell lung cancer or is prone to suffering from small cell lung cancer sample.

For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 3.0 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from small cell lung cancer or being prone to suffering from small cell lung cancer in accordance with the present invention.

For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 can be about 3.1 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context exhaled breath condensate(s)) from a subject assessed to suffer from small cell lung cancer or being prone to suffering from small cell lung cancer in accordance with the present invention.

For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 3.5 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context biopsies) from a subject assessed to suffer from small cell lung cancer or being prone to suffering from small cell lung cancer in accordance with the present invention.

For example, ratios of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 can be about 3.6 (or higher) in samples (in particular and preferred in this context exhaled breath condensate(s)) from a subject assessed to suffer from small cell lung cancer or being prone to suffering from small cell lung cancer in accordance with the present invention.

As explained above, the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 and/or the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is increased in samples from patients assessed to suffer from or assessed as being prone to suffering from cancer compared with a control (sample).

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said transcription     factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the two specific     isoforms are either     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising         a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to         38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor; and -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is increased in         comparison to a control (sample); or     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is increased in         comparison to a control (sample).

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said transcription     factors are GATA6 and NKX2-1 and wherein the two specific isoforms     are     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising         a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to         38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor; and -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is increased in         comparison to a control (sample); and     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is increased in         comparison to a control (sample).

Also here, lung cancer is preferred, in particular non-small cell lung cancer or small cell lung cancer. Particularly preferred is non-small cell lung cancer.

The definitions and explanations provided herein in relation to the method of “assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer” apply, mutatis mutandis, in this context.

The term “specific transcription factor Ad isoform” according to the present application relates to specific isoforms of the transcription factors GATA6 (Uniprot-ID: Q92908; Gene-ID: 2627), NKX2-1 (Uniprot-ID: P43699; Gene-ID: 7080), FOXA2 (Uniprot-ID: Q9Y261; Gene-ID: 3170) and ID2 (Uniprot-ID: Q02363; Gene-ID:3398). If, for example, the amount of a specific transcription factor is measured on mRNA level, the specific transcription factor can be mRNA molecules (or transcript or splice variants). In this context, the transcription factors can be defined as

-   -   i) the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform nucleic acid sequence with         up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 38 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 7 or FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 74 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 8 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of nucleic acid         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 8;

If, for example, the amount of a specific transcription factor is measure on protein level, the specific transcription factors can be proteins molecules. For example, they can be defined as

-   -   v) the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 54 or the GATA6 Ad isoform polypeptide sequence with         up to 23 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 54;     -   vi) the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 55 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 15 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 55;     -   vii) the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 56 or FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 43 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 56; or     -   viii) the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the polypeptide sequence         of SEQ ID No: 57 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of polypeptide         sequence with up to 13 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 57;

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said transcription     factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the two specific     isoforms are either:     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform nucleic         acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to         38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5;         preferably higher than 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1; more preferably         higher than 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2; even more preferably higher         than 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10;     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3 preferably higher than 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1;         more preferably higher than 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2; even more         preferably higher than 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10;

The present invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein the transcription factor     is selected from the group GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2, and wherein     the two specific isoforms are either:     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform nucleic         acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence with up         to 38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3; and the FOXA2 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 7 or FOXA2 Ad         isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence with up to 74         additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; and the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 8 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of         nucleic acid sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 8; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5;         preferably higher than 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1; higher than 1.2,         1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2; higher than 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10;     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3, preferably higher than 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1;         higher than 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2; higher than 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,         8, 9 or 10;     -   iii) the transcription factor is FOXA2 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of FOXA2 is higher than         0.8; preferably higher than 0.9, 1.0. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,         1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 or 2; higher than 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 or 3;         higher than 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15; or     -   iv) the transcription factor is ID2 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of ID2 is higher than 1;         preferably higher than 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8,         1.9 or 2; higher than 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 or 3; higher than 4, 5,         6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15.

It is known by the person skilled in the art that genes can contain single nucleotide polymorphisms. The specific transcription factor Em isoform sequences of the present invention encompass all naturally occurring sequences of the respective isoform independent of the number and nature of the SNPs in said sequence. To relate to currently known SNPs, the specific transcription factor Ad isoform sequences of the present invention are defined such that they contain up to 55 (in the case of GATA6), up to 38 (in the case of NKX2-1), up to 74 (in the case of FOXA2) or up to 30 (in the case of ID2) additions, deletions or substitutions of the nucleic acid sequences defined by SEQ ID NOs: 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively, to also cover the respective Ad transcripts of carriers of different nucleotides at the respective SNPs. The SNPs of tables 2, 4, 6 and 8 may occur in the Ad isoforms of the present invention in any combination. For example, a (genetic) variant of the GATA6 Ad isoform to be used herein may comprise a nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, whereby the “C” residue at position 694 of SEQ ID NO:5 is substituted by “T”. Further variants of the isoforms to be used herein are apparent from Tables 1 to 8 to the person skilled in the art.

The GATA6 Ad isoform according to the invention is the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55; preferably up to 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 or 20; even more preferably up to 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7. 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 5. The GATA6 Ad isoform can also be defined as the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 138; 228; 255; 262; 274; 365; 397; 415; 694; 1063; 1191; 1239; 1524; 1532; 1562; 1586; 1587; 1738; 1779; 1784; 1814; 1817; 1846; 1875; 1884; 1917; 1935; 1937; 1943; 1961; 1966; 2041; 2072; 2077; 2098; 2229; 2325; 2326; 2562; 2626; 2971; 3037; 3175; 3200; 3201; 3225; 3293; 3301; 3513; 3567; 3581; 3605; 3625; 3643 or 3670. The GATA6 Ad isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 85% homology to SEQ ID No: 5, preferably up to 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% homology to SEQ ID No: 5; even more preferably up to 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 5.

The NKX2-1 Ad isoform according to the invention is the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 38; preferably up to 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or 10; even more preferably up to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 6. The NKX2-1 Ad isoform can also be defined as the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the Nkx2-1 isoform Ad comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 12; 125; 265; 270; 284; 286; 295; 331; 626; 630; 670; 795; 1014; 1150; 1189; 1293; 1303; 1312; 1334; 1397; 1478; 1479; 1478; 1485; 1486; 1488; 1512; 1518; 1523; 1593; 1595; 1676; 1738; 1761; 1762; 1779; 1944 or 2164. The NKX2-1 Ad isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 90% homology to SEQ ID No: 6, preferably up to 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% homology to SEQ ID No: 6; even more preferably up to 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 6.

The FOXA2 Ad isoform according to the invention is the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 74; preferably up to 73, 72, 71, 70, 69, 68, 67, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 61, 60, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55, 54, 53 52, 51, 50, 49, 48 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21 or 20; even more preferably up to 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7. 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 7. The FOXA2 Ad isoform can also be defined as the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 or the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 5; 37; 65; 68; 70; 88; 128; 195; 276; 348; 355; 361; 366; 370; 391; 446; 468; 470; 481; 516; 551; 564; 571; 577; 597; 610; 628; 637; 646; 661; 760; 832; 1027; 1062; 1173; 1175; 1227; 1229; 1230; 1291; 1361; 1378; 1395; 1401; 1419; 1445; 1462; 1474; 1509; 1526; 1569; 1570; 1581; 1614; 1618; 1674; 1710; 1724; 1725; 1741; 1799; 1818; 1825; 1927; 1953; 1957; 2057; 2070; 2071; 2080; 2092; 2099; 2187 or 2375. The FOXA2 Ad isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 7 or the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 93% homology to SEQ ID No: 7, preferably up to 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% or 98% homology to SEQ ID No: 7; even more preferably up to 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 7.

The ID2 Ad isoform according to the invention is the ID2 Ad isoform consisting the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of a nucleic acid sequence with up to 30; preferably up to 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, or 10; even more preferably up to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2; or even furthermore preferably only 1 addition(s), deletion(s) or substitution(s) of SEQ ID NO: 8. The ID2 Ad isoform can also be defined as the ID2 Ad isoform consisting the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 or the ID2 Ad isoform consisting the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 with additions, deletions or substitutions at any of positions 93; 134; 148; 163; 176; 202; 225; 299; 338; 344; 424; 440; 483; 486; 544; 601; 604; 655; 696; 810; 815; 914; 1024; 1054; 1058; 1088; 1090; 1190; 1272 or 1289. The ID2 Ad isoform according to the invention can also be defined as the ID2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 8 or the ID2 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with at least 51% homology to SEQ ID No: 8, preferably up to 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90% homology to SEQ ID No: 8; even more preferably up to 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology to SEQ ID No: 8.

The present invention relates to a method of treating a patient, said method comprising

-   a) selecting a cancer patient according to any of the above     mentioned methods of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer     or is prone to suffering from cancer -   b) administering to said cancer patient an effective amount of an     anti-cancer agent.

The term “cancer patient” as used herein refers to a patient that is suspected to suffer from cancer or being prone to suffer from cancer. The cancer to be treated in accordance with the present invention can be a solid cancer or a liquid cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancers which can be treated according to the present invention are lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, bone cancer, bone marrow cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, esophagus cancer, salivary gland cancer, pancreas cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, CNS (especially brain) cancer, cervix cancer, cartilage cancer, colon cancer, genitourinary cancer, gastrointestinal tract cancer, pancreas cancer, synovium cancer, testis cancer, thymus cancer, thyroid cancer and uterine cancer.

Preferably, the cancer patient according to the present invention is a patient suffering from lung cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SLC). Particularly preferably, the patient suffers non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Even more preferably, the cancer patient is a patient suffering from adenocarcinoma. The patient may also suffer from a squamous cell carcinoma or a large ell carcinoma. The adenocarcinoma can be a bronchoalveolar carcinoma.

The amount of the specific transcription factor isoform according to the invention can be measured for example by a polymerase chain reaction-based method, an in situ hybridization-based method, or a microarray. If the amount of the specific transcription factor isoform according to the invention is measured via a polymerase chain reaction-based method, it is preferably measured via a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

The method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer according to the invention may comprise the contacting of a sample with primers, wherein said primers can be used for amplifying the respective specific transcription factor isoforms.

Primers for the polymerase chain reaction-based measurement of the amount of the specific transcription factor isoforms according to the invention may encompass the use of primers being selected from the Table 9.

TABLE 9 Examples of primer pairs for the amplification, detection and/or quantification of the amount of specific transcription factor isoforms Primers for Human (5′→3′) (For RNA from tissue Gene Primers for Human (5′→3′)  sections) Gata6-Em Fwd SEQ ID NO 9: SEQ ID NO 10: CTCGGCTTCTCTCCGCGCCTG TTGACTGACGGCGGCTGGTG Gata6-Em Rev SEQ ID NO 11: SEQ ID NO 12: AGCTGAGGCGTCCCGCAGTTG CTCCCGCGCTGGAAAGGCTC Gata6-Ad Fwd SEQ ID NO 13: SEQ ID NO 14: GCGGTTTCGTTTTCGGGGAC AGGACCCAGACTGCTGCCCC Gata6-Ad Rev SEQ ID NO 15: SEQ ID NO 16: AAGGGATGCGAAGCGTAGGA CTGACCAGCCCGAACGCGAG Nkx2-1-Em Fwd SEQ ID NO 17: SEQ ID NO 18: AAACCTGGCGCCGGGCTAAA CAGCGAGGCTTCGCCTTCCC Nkx2-1-Em Rev SEQ ID NO 19: SEQ ID NO 20: GGAGAGGGGGAAGGCGAAGCC TCGACATGATTCGGCGGCGG Nkx2-1-Ad Fwd SEQ ID NO 21: SEQ ID NO 22: AGCGAAGCCCGATGTGGTCC TCCGGAGGCAGTGGGAAGGC Nk2-1-Ad Rev SEQ ID NO 23: SEQ ID NO 24: CCGCCCTCCATGCCCACTTTC GACATGATTCGGCGGCGGCT Foxa2-Var1 Fwd SEQ ID NO 25: SEQ ID NO 26: TGCCATGCACTCGGCTTCCAG CAGGGAGAGGGAGGGCGAGA Foxa2-Var1 Rev SEQ ID NO 27: SEQ ID NO 28: TCATGTTGCCCGAGCCGCTG CCCCCACCCCCACCCTCTTT Foxa2-Var2 Fwd SEQ ID NO 29: SEQ ID NO 30: CTGCTAGAGGGGCTGCTTGCG CGCTTCTCCCGAGGCCGTTC Foxa2-Var2 Rev SEQ ID NO 31: SEQ ID NO 32: ACGGCTCGTGCCCTTCCATC TAACTCGCCCGCTGCTGCTC Id2-Var1 Fwd SEQ ID NO 33: SEQ ID NO 34: AACCCCTGTGGACGACCCGA TGCGGATAAAAGCCGCCCCG Id2-Var1 Rev SEQ ID NO 35 SEQ ID NO 36: GCCCGGGTCTCTGGTGATGC AGCTAGCTGCGCTTGGCACC Id2-Var2 Fwd SEQ ID NO 37: SEQ ID NO 38: CTGCGGTGCTGAACTCGCCC CCCCCTGCGGTGCTGAACTC Id2-Var 2 Rev SEQ ID NO 39: SEQ ID NO 40: GACGAGCGGGCGCTTCCATT TAACTCGCCCGCTGCTGCTC

It lies within the scope of the invention to combine the measurement of several of the specific transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention to allow assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. In particular, the amount of two, three or up to all four of the specific transcription factor Em isoforms selected from i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3; and iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 4 may be analyzed for assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. Preferably, a combination of transcription factor Em isoforms analyzed for the assessment of whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer according to the present invention includes the GATA6 Em isoform and the NKX2-1 Em isoform.

The method for assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer according to the present invention can be used for example for assessing whether a subject suffers from lung cancer or is prone to suffering from lung cancer. In particular, the method of the present invention allows assessing whether a subject suffers from adenocarcinoma or bronchoalveolar carcinoma or is prone to suffering from adenocarcinoma or bronchoalveolar carcinoma.

The diagnostic methods can be used, for example, in combination with (i.e. subsequently prior to or simultaneously with) other diagnostic techniques, like CT (short for computer tomography) and CXR (short for chest radiograph, colloquially called chest X-ray (CXR)).

The herein provided methods for the diagnosis of a patient group and the therapy of this selected patient group is particularly useful for high risk subjects/patients or patient groups, such as those that have a hereditary history and/or are exposed to tobacco smoke, environmental smoke, cooking fumes, indoor smoky coal emissions, asbestos, some metals (e.g. nickel, arsenic and cadmium), radon (particularly amongst miners) and ionizing radiation. These subjects/patients may particularly profit from an early diagnosis and, hence, treatment of the cancer in accordance with the present invention.

A method of treating a patient according to the present invention may comprise

-   a) obtaining a sample from a patient; -   b) selecting a cancer patient according to any of the above     mentioned methods of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer     or is prone to suffering from cancer; -   c) administering to said cancer patient an effective amount of an     anti-cancer agent.

The present invention also provides a method of treating a patient, said method comprising

-   a) selecting a cancer patient according to any of the above     mentioned methods of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer     or is prone to suffering from cancer -   b) administering to said cancer patient an effective amount of an     anti-cancer agent, wherein the cancer agent is for example selected     from the group of agents comprising Oxalaplatin, Gemcitabine     (Gemzar), Paclitaxel (Taxol), Vincristine (Oncovin) and a     composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2.     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and/or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent for the treatment or the prevention of cancer, wherein for the patient suffering from cancer has been determined by a method of the present invention and wherein the method of treatment comprises the step of determining whether or not the patient suffers from cancer. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention comprises an agent for the treatment or the prevention of lung cancer, wherein for the patient lung cancer has been determined by a method of the present invention and wherein the method of treatment comprises the step of determining whether or not the patient suffers from lung cancer

The present invention provides a composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of

-   -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2.     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4.

It is surprisingly found that the Em isoforms of the transcription factors of the present invention have an oncogenic potential (see Examples 4, 6 and 7). Further, it is shown that their reduction leads to the prevention of the development of tumors and allows treating cancer (see example 7). Thus, the present invention relates to inhibitors of the Em isoforms of the transcription factors GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2. In particular, the present invention relates to agents that allow reducing the amount of the Em isoform of the transcription factors GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2. The present invention also relates to activators of the Ad isoform of the transcription factors GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2. Examples of such activators are agents, which activate the promoter of the Ad isoform of the respective transcription factors.

The present invention also relates to a composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of

-   -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2.     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and/or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4.

The inhibitors of

-   -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2.     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4 according to the present invention can for example         comprise siRNAs (small interfering RNAs) or shRNAs (small         hairpin RNAs) targeting said specific transcription factor Em         isoforms.

The person skilled in the art knows how to design siRNAs and shRNAs, which specifically target the specific transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention. Examples of such specific siRNAs and shRNAs targeting the specific transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention are depicted in Tables 10 and 11.

TABLE 10 Examples of siRNA sequence for the knockdown of Gata6 Em and Foxa2 Em Target Sense Antisense Sequence strand siRNA strand siRNA Gata6 AATCAGGAGCG  SEQ ID NO: 41 SEQ ID NO: 43 CAGGCTGCAG UCAGGAGCGCA CUGCAGCCUGC (SEQ ID NO. 58) GGCUGCAGtt GCUCCUGAtt AAGAGGCGCCT SEQ ID NO: 42 SEQ ID NO: 44 CCTCTCTCCT GAGGCGCCUCC AGGAGAGAGGA (SEQ ID NO. 59) UCUCUCCUtt GGCGCCUCtt Foxa2 AAACCGCCATG SEQ ID NO: 45 SEQ ID NO: 46 CACTCGGCTT ACCGCCAUGCA AAGCCGAGUGC (SEQ ID NO. 60)  CUCGGCUUtt AUGGCGGUtt

TABLE 11 Examples of shRNA sequences for the knockdown of Nkx2-1 Nkx2-1 shHairpin sequence (5′-3′) SEQ ID NO: 47 CCGGCCCATGAAGAAGAAAGCAATTCTCGAGAATTG CTTTCTTCTTCATGGGTTTTTG SEQ ID NO: 48 GTACCGGGGGATCATCCTTGTAGATAAACTCGAGTT TATCTACAAGGATGATCCCTTTTTTG SEQ ID NO: 49 CCGGATTCGGAATCAGCTAGCAATTCTCGAGAATTG CTAGCTGATTCCGAATTTTTTG

The amount of the specific transcription factor isoform according to the present invention can be determined on the polypeptide level. Thus, the invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform as a polypeptide wherein said specific     transcription isoform is either     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 50; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 51; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in a control sample; and -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific transcription     factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor Em     isoform in the control sample.

The invention relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor on the polypeptide level, wherein     said transcription factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the     two specific isoforms are either     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 50; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 54 or the GATA6 Ad isoform         polypeptide sequence with up to 23 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 54; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 51; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 55 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence with up to         15 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 55; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor; and -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5; or     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3.

The amount of the specific transcription factor isoforms according to the invention can be assessed on the polypeptide level using known quantitative methods for the assessment of polypeptide levels. For example, ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay)-based, gel-based, blot-based, mass spectrometry-based, or flow cytometry-based methods can be used for measuring the amount of the specific transcription factor isoforms on the polypeptide level according to the invention.

The method according of the present invention may further comprise measuring in a sample of a subject the amount of one or two further specific transcription factor isoform(s) on the polypeptide level selected from the group of specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of

-   -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 52 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising polypeptide         sequence with up to 43 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 52; and     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 53 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising polypeptide         sequence with up to 13 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 53;         -   and wherein for assessing that said subject suffers from             cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer the amount of             all analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoforms has             to be increased in comparison to the amount of the analyzed             specific transcription factor Em isoforms in the control             sample.

In accordance with this invention, a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer is found, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform selected from the group of specific     transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 50;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 51;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 52 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising polypeptide         sequence with up to 43 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 52; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 53 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising polypeptide         sequence with up to 13 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 53; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform in a control sample; -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific transcription     factor isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform in the control sample.

The invention provides a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two specific     isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein the transcription factor     is selected from the group GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2, and wherein     the two specific isoforms are either:     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 50; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 54 or the GATA6 Ad isoform         polypeptide sequence with up to 23 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 54;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 51; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 55 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence with up to         15 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 55;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 52 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 43 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 52; and the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 56 or FOXA2 Ad isoform         comprising the polypeptide sequence with up to 43 additions,         deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 56; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 53 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 13 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 53; and the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the         polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 57 or ID2 Ad isoform         consisting of polypeptide sequence with up to 13 additions,         deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 57; -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform     of said transcription factor -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5;     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3;     -   iii) the transcription factor is FOXA2 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of FOXA2 is higher than         0.8; or     -   iv) the transcription factor is ID2 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of ID2 is higher than 1.

The method according to the present invention may also comprise

-   a) measuring in a sample of a subject the amount of two specific     transcription factor isoforms on protein level, wherein the     transcription factor isoform are     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 50 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 50; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 51 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence with up to 14 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 51; -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor     isoform in a control sample; -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to     suffering from cancer if the amount of the GATA6 Em and the amount     of the NKX2-1 Em isoform in said sample from said subject is     increased in comparison to the amount of said specific transcription     factor isoform in the control sample.

The method according to the present invention may allow assessing that a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer if the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoform(s) on polypeptide level is increased by at least 1.3-fold over control, at least 1.4-fold over control, at least 1.5-fold over control, at least 1.6-fold over control, at least 1.7-fold over control, at least 1.8-fold over control, at least 1.9-fold over control, at least 2-fold over control, at least 2.5 over control, at least 2.7 over control, at least 3-fold over control, at least 4-fold over control, at least 5-fold over control, wherein “over control” relates to the comparison of the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoform(s) in the test/patient/subject sample to the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoform(s) in a control sample.

The method according of the present invention may also comprise the step of measuring in a sample of a subject the amount of two specific isoforms of one or two further transcription factor(s) on the polypeptide level, wherein said one or two further transcription factor(s) are either Foxa2 and/or Id2 and wherein the two specific isoforms of said one or two further transcription factor(s) are:

-   -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 52 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 43 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 52; and the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the         polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 56 or FOXA2 Ad isoform         comprising the polypeptide sequence with up to 43 additions,         deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 56; or     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide sequence of         SEQ ID No: 53 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising the polypeptide         sequence with up to 13 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 53; and the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the         polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID No: 57 or ID2 Ad isoform         consisting of polypeptide sequence with up to 13 additions,         deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 57;     -   and wherein said subject is assessed as suffering from cancer or         as being prone to suffer from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5;         and/or     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3; and     -   iii) the transcription factor is FOXA2 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of FOXA2 is higher than         0.8; and/or     -   iv) the transcription factor is ID2 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of ID2 is higher than 1.

It is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the specific transcription factor isoforms of the present invention can show certain sequence varieties between different subjects of the same ancestry and in particular between subjects of different ancestry. Non-limiting examples of the polymorphisms of the cancer specific isoforms of the present invention are given in Tables 12 and 13.

TABLE 12 Examples of polymorphisms in the sequences of GATA6, Em and Ad isoforms in dependence of the ancestry of a subject S. Position in Position in No Region Gata6 Em Gata6 Ad Polymorphism Population Frequency of T Frequency of C 1 CCDS 1982 1917 T/C CEU 100% 0% JPT 100% 0% YRI 100% 0% Frequency of G Frequency of A 2 3′ UTR 2137 2072 G/A CEU  56% 44%  CHB  57% 43%  JPT  65% 35%  YRI  45% 55%  Frequency of A Frequency of G 3 3′ UTR 2142 2077 A/G CEU  97% 3% CHB  90% 10%  JPT 100% 0% YRI 100% 0% Frequency of T Frequency of A 4 3′ UTR 2391 2326 T/A CEU 100% 0% CHB 100% 0% JPT 100% 0% YRI 100% 0% (CEU: Utah residents with Northern and Western European ancestry from the CEPH collection; CHB: Han Chinese in Beijing, China; JPT: Japanese in Tokyo, Japan; YRI: Yoruban in Ibadan, Nigeria)

TABLE 13 Examples of polymorphisms in the sequences of FOXA2 variant 1 and 2 in dependence of the ancestry of a subject S. Position in Position in No Region Foxa2 Em Foxa2 Ad Polymorphism Population Frequency of T Frequency of C 1 CCDS 1408 1395 T/C CEU 100%   0% CHB 100%   0% JPT 100%   0% YRI 100%   0% Frequency of A Frequency of G 1 3′ UTR 1627 1614 A/G ASW 38% 62% CEU 96%  4% CHB 84% 16% CHD 84% 16% JPT 77% 23% GIH 89% 11% LWK 27% 73% MEX 92%  8% MKK 40% 60% TSI 91%  9% YRI 20% 80% (ASW: African ancestry in Southwest USA; CEU: Utah residents with Northern and Western European ancestry from the CEPH collection; CHB: Han Chinese in Beijing, China; CHD: Chinese in Metropolitan Denver, Colorado; GIH: Gujarati Indians in Houston, Texas; JPT: Japanese in Tokyo, Japan; LWK: Luhya in Webuye, Kenya; MEX: Mexican ancestry in Los Angeles, California; MKK: Maasai in Kinyawa, Kenya; TSI: Tuscan in Italy; YRI: Yoruban in Ibadan, Nigeria)

Interestingly, it was found by the inventors that an increased expression of the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5 could be used for the diagnosis of non-cancer related lung disease, for example lung fibrosis (see Examples 8 and 9). Thus, the invention also relates to a method of assessing whether a subject suffers from fibrosis, in particular lung fibrosis, or is prone to suffering from fibrosis, in particular lung fibrosis, said method comprising the steps of

-   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a specific     transcription factor isoform wherein said specific transcription     isoform is either     -   i) the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 5 or -   b) comparing the amount of said specific GATA6 Ad isoform with the     amount of said specific GATA6 Ad isoform in a control sample; -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from lung fibrosis or is     prone to suffering from lung fibrosis if the amount of said specific     GATA6 Ad isoform in said sample from said subject is increased in     comparison to the amount of said GATA6 Ad isoform isoform in the     control sample.

As shown herein, it was surprisingly found that GATA6 Ad isoform is increased in comparison to the amount of the GATA6 Ad isoform in a control sample in fibrotic events, in particular in lung fibrosis. Accordingly, and increased amount of the GATA6 Ad isoform in a patient/subject sample as compared to a (healthy) control sample is indicative of the presence of lung fibrosis in said patient/subject.

The present invention provides a kit for use in any of the methods of the invention for assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer comprising reagents for measuring in a sample specifically the amount of one or several transcription factor isoforms selected from the group of specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of

-   -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4.

The kit of the present invention may comprise primers and further reagents necessary for a qPCR analysis. The respective primers may be selected from the list in Table 9.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

The invention also covers all further features shown in the figures individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the other aspect of the invention.

Furthermore, in the claims the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single unit may fulfill the functions of several features recited in the claims. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

The present invention is also characterized by the following items:

-   1. A method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is     prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of     -   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a         specific transcription factor isoform wherein said specific         transcription isoform is either         -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence             of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic             acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or             substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; or         -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid             sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising             a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions             or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em         isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em         isoform in a control sample; and     -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone         to suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific         transcription factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject         is increased in comparison to the amount of said specific         transcription factor Em isoform in the control sample. -   2. A method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is     prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of     -   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two         specific isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said         transcription factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the         two specific isoforms are either         -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence             of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic             acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or             substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform             comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the             GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up             to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5;             or         -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid             sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising             a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions             or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform             comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the             NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up             to 38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad         isoform of said transcription factor; and     -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone         to suffering from cancer if         -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the             amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher             than 0.5; or         -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the             amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher             than 0.3. -   3. The method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a     polymerase chain reaction-based method, an in situ     hybridization-based method, or a microarray. -   4. The method according to item 3, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a     polymerase chain reaction-based method and wherein said polymerase     chain reaction-based method is a quantitative reverse transcriptase     polymerase chain reaction. -   5. The method according to item 4, wherein the step of measuring in     a sample of said subject the amount of a specific transcription     factor comprises the contacting of the sample with primers, wherein     said primers can be used for amplifying at least one of the specific     transcription factor isoforms. -   6. The method according to item 5, wherein said primers are selected     from the group of primers having a nucleic acid sequence as set     forth in SEQ ID NOs 9 to 40. -   7. The method according to items 1 and 3 to 6, wherein     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;         -   are analyzed for assessing whether said subject suffers from             cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer and wherein the             amount of both said specific transcription factor Em             isoforms has to be increased in comparison to the amount of             said two specific transcription factor Em isoforms in the             control sample for assessing that said subject suffers from             cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. -   8. The method according to items 1 and 3 to 7, wherein said step a)     further comprises measuring in a sample of said subject the amount     of one or two further specific transcription factor isoform(s)     selected from the group of specific transcription factor isoforms     consisting of     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4;         -   and wherein for assessing that said subject suffers from             cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer the amount of             all analyzed specific transcription factor Em isoforms has             to be increased in comparison to the amount of the analyzed             specific transcription factor Em isoforms in the control             sample. -   9. The method according to items 1 and 3 to 8, wherein for assessing     that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from     cancer the amount of said analyzed specific transcription factor Em     isoform(s) has to be increased by at least 1.3-fold in comparison to     the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em     isoform(s) in the control sample. -   10. The method according to items 2 to 6, wherein     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising         a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to         38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6 -    are analyzed for assessing whether said subject suffers from cancer     or is prone to suffering from cancer and wherein it is assessed that     said subject suffers from cancer if     -   i) the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of         GATA6 is higher than 0.5; and     -   ii) the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of         NKX2-1 is higher than 0.3. -   11. The method according to items 2 to 6 and 10, wherein step a)     further comprises measuring in a sample of said subject the amount     of two specific isoforms of one or two further transcription     factor(s), wherein said one or two further transcription factor(s)     are either Foxa2 and/or Id2 and wherein the two specific isoforms of     said one or two further transcription factor(s) are:     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 7 or FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising a         nucleic acid sequence with up to 74 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; and the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 8 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of         nucleic acid sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 8; -    and wherein said subject is assessed as suffering from cancer or as     being prone to suffer from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5;         and/or     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3; and     -   iii) the transcription factor is FOXA2 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of FOXA2 is higher than         0.8; and/or     -   iv) the transcription factor is ID2 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of ID2 is higher than 1. -   12. The method according to any of items 1, 2, or 7 to 10, wherein     the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is     measured on the polypeptide level. -   13. The method according to item 12, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured by an ELISA, a     gel- or blot-based method, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry or     FACS. -   14. The method according to items 1 to 13, wherein said cancer is a     lung cancer. -   15. The method according to item 14, wherein said lung cancer is an     adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   16. The method according to items 1 to 15, wherein said sample     comprises tumor cells. -   17. The method according to items 1 to 16, wherein said sample is a     blood sample, a breath condensate sample, a bronchoalveolar lavage     fluid sample, a mucus sample or a phlegm sample. -   18. The method according to items 1 to 17, wherein said subject is a     human subject. -   19. The method of item 18, wherein said human subject is a subject     having an increased risk for developing cancer. -   20. A method of treating a patient, said method comprising     -   a) selecting a cancer patient according to the method of any of         items 1 to 19     -   b) administering to said cancer patient an effective amount of         an anti-cancer agent and/or radiation therapy. -   21. The method of treating a patient according to item 20, wherein     said anti-cancer agent is an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform nucleic acid sequence with         up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1;         or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   22. The method of treating a patient according to item 20 or 21,     wherein said cancer patient is a patient suffering from lung cancer. -   23. The method of treating a patient according to item 22, wherein     said lung cancer is a lung adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar     carcinoma. -   24. A composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   25. The composition for use in medicine of item 24, wherein said     inhibitor comprises a siRNA or shRNA specifically targeting     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4. -   26. The composition for use in medicine of item 25, wherein said     siRNA is selected from the group of siRNAs consisting of SEQ ID No:     41 to SEQ ID NO: 46. -   27. The composition for use in medicine of item 25, wherein said     shRNA is selected from the group of shRNAs consisting of SEQ ID No:     47 to SEQ ID NO: 49. -   28. A composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   29. The composition according to item 28 further comprising an     inhibitor of     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4 -   30. The composition for use in medicine of items 24 to 29, wherein     said inhibitor further comprises protamine. -   31. The composition for use in medicine of items 24 to 29, wherein     the inhibitor further comprises a fusion protein of protamine and an     antigen-targeting polypeptide. -   32. The composition for use in medicine of item 31, wherein said     antigen-targeting polypeptide is targeting a protein selected from     the group of proteins consisting of ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2,     CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4,     and CDH11. -   33. The composition for use in medicine of item 31 or item 32,     wherein said antigen-targeting polypeptide is a monoclonal antibody     or a single chain variable fragment. -   34. The composition of items 24 to 33 for the use in the treatment     of a lung disease. -   35. The composition of item 34 for the use in the treatment of a     lung disease, wherein the lung disease is a lung cancer. -   36. The composition of item 35 for the use in the treatment of a     lung cancer, wherein said lung cancer is an adenocarcinoma or a     bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   37. A kit for use in any of the methods according to items 1 to 23     comprising reagents for measuring in a sample specifically the     amount of one or two transcription factor isoforms selected from the     group of specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   38. The kit according to item 37 further comprising reagents for     measuring in a sample specifically the amount of one or two     transcription factor isoforms selected from the group of specific     transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4. -   39. The kit according to item 37 or 38 further comprising reagents     for measuring in a sample specifically the amount of one or several     further transcription factor isoform(s) selected from the group of     specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 5;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 38 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 7 or FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 74 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   iv) the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 8 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of nucleic acid         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 8; -   40. The kit of items 37 to 39 wherein said sample is a blood or     breath condensate sample. -   41. The kit of items 37 to 40 wherein said sample is a sample from a     human subject. -   42. The kit of item 41 wherein the kit comprises one or several     primers selected from the group of primers comprising the nucleic     acid sequence of SEQ IDs 9 to 40.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to the following items:

-   1. A method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is     prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of     -   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a         specific transcription factor isoform wherein said specific         transcription isoform is either         -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence             of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic             acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or             substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; or         -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid             sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising             a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions             or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em         isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em         isoform in a control sample; and     -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone         to suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific         transcription factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject         is increased in comparison to the amount of said specific         transcription factor Em isoform in the control sample. -   2. A method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is     prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of     -   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two         specific isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said         transcription factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the         two specific isoforms are either         -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence             of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic             acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or             substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform             comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the             GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up             to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5;             or         -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid             sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising             a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions             or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform             comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the             NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up             to 38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad         isoform of said transcription factor; and     -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone         to suffering from cancer if         -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the             amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher             than 0.5; or         -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the             amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher             than 0.3. -   3. The method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a     quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. -   4. The method according to item 3, wherein the step of measuring in     a sample of said subject the amount of a specific transcription     factor comprises the contacting of the sample with primers, wherein     said primers can be used for amplifying at least one of the specific     transcription factor isoforms and wherein said primers are selected     from the group of primers having a nucleic acid sequence as set     forth in SEQ ID NOs 9 to 40. -   5. The method according to any one of items 1 and 3 to 4, wherein     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; -    are analyzed for assessing whether said subject suffers from cancer     or is prone to suffering from cancer and wherein the amount of both     said specific transcription factor Em isoforms has to be increased     in comparison to the amount of said two specific transcription     factor Em isoforms in the control sample for assessing that said     subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. -   6. The method according to any one of items 1 and 3 to 5, wherein     said step a) further comprises measuring in a sample of said subject     the amount of one or two further specific transcription factor     isoform(s) selected from the group of specific transcription factor     isoforms consisting of     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; -    and wherein for assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or     is prone to suffering from cancer the amount of all analyzed     specific transcription factor Em isoforms has to be increased in     comparison to the amount of the analyzed specific transcription     factor Em isoforms in the control sample. -   7. The method according to any of items 1, 2, or 5 to 6, wherein the     amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured     on the polypeptide level and wherein the amount of said specific     transcription factor isoform(s) is measured by an ELISA, a gel- or     blot-based method, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry or FACS. -   8. The method according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein said     cancer is a lung cancer. -   9. The method according to item 8, wherein said lung cancer is an     adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   10. The method according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein said     sample is a blood sample, a breath condensate sample, a     bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample, a mucus sample or a phlegm     sample. -   11. The method according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein said     subject is a human subject. -   12. A composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   13. The composition for use in medicine of item 12, wherein said     inhibitor comprises an siRNA selected from the group of siRNAs     consisting of SEQ ID No: 41 to SEQ ID NO: 46. -   14. The composition of item 12 or 13 for the use in the treatment of     a lung cancer, wherein said lung cancer is an adenocarcinoma or a     bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   15. A kit for use in any of the methods according to items 1 to 11     comprising reagents for measuring in a sample specifically the     amount of one or two transcription factor isoforms selected from the     group of specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2.

The present invention is also characterized by the following items:

-   1. A method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is     prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of     -   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of a         specific transcription factor isoform wherein said specific         transcription isoform is either         -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence             of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic             acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or             substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; or         -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid             sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising             a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions             or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   b) comparing the amount of said specific transcription factor Em         isoform with the amount of said specific transcription factor Em         isoform in a control sample; and     -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone         to suffering from cancer if the amount of said specific         transcription factor Em isoform in said sample from said subject         is increased in comparison to the amount of said specific         transcription factor Em isoform in the control sample. -   2. A method of assessing whether a subject suffers from cancer or is     prone to suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of     -   a) measuring in a sample of said subject the amount of two         specific isoforms of a transcription factor, wherein said         transcription factor is either GATA6 or NKX2-1 and wherein the         two specific isoforms are either         -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence             of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic             acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or             substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform             comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the             GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up             to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5;             or         -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid             sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising             a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions             or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform             comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 6 or the             NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up             to 38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   b) building the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad         isoform of said transcription factor; and     -   c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone         to suffering from cancer if         -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the             amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher             than 0.5, in particular higher than 1.0, more particularly             higher than 1.5; or         -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the             amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher             than 0.3, in particular higher than 1.0, more particularly             higher than 1.7. -   3. The method according to item 1 or 2, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a     polymerase chain reaction-based method, an in situ     hybridization-based method, or a microarray. -   4. The method according to item 3, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a     polymerase chain reaction-based method and wherein said polymerase     chain reaction-based method is a quantitative reverse transcriptase     polymerase chain reaction. -   5. The method according to item 4, wherein the step of measuring in     a sample of said subject the amount of a specific transcription     factor comprises the contacting of the sample with primers, wherein     said primers can be used for amplifying at least one of the specific     transcription factor isoforms. -   6. The method according to item 5, wherein said primers are selected     from the group of primers having a nucleic acid sequence as set     forth in SEQ ID NOs 9 to 40. -   7. The method according to items 1 and 3 to 6, wherein     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;         -   are analyzed for assessing whether said subject suffers from             cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer and wherein the             amount of both said specific transcription factor Em             isoforms has to be increased in comparison to the amount of             said two specific transcription factor Em isoforms in the             control sample for assessing that said subject suffers from             cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer. -   8. The method according to items 1 and 3 to 7, wherein said step a)     further comprises measuring in a sample of said subject the amount     of one or two further specific transcription factor isoform(s)     selected from the group of specific transcription factor isoforms     consisting of     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4;     -   and wherein for assessing that said subject suffers from cancer         or is prone to suffering from cancer the amount of all analyzed         specific transcription factor Em isoforms has to be increased in         comparison to the amount of the analyzed specific transcription         factor Em isoforms in the control sample. -   9. The method according to items 1 and 3 to 8, wherein for assessing     that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from     cancer the amount of said analyzed specific transcription factor Em     isoform(s) has to be increased by at least 1.3-fold in comparison to     the amount of the analyzed specific transcription factor Em     isoform(s) in the control sample. -   10. The method according to items 2 to 6, wherein     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising         a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform         comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the         NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to         38 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6 -    are analyzed for assessing whether said subject suffers from cancer     or is prone to suffering from cancer and wherein it is assessed that     said subject suffers from cancer if     -   i) the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of         GATA6 is higher than 0.5, in particular higher than 1.0, more         particularly higher than 1.5; and     -   ii) the ratio of the amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of         NKX2-1 is higher than 0.3 in particular higher than 1.0, more         particularly higher than 1.7. -   11. The method according to items 2 to 6 and 10, wherein step a)     further comprises measuring in a sample of said subject the amount     of two specific isoforms of one or two further transcription     factor(s), wherein said one or two further transcription factor(s)     are either Foxa2 and/or Id2 and wherein the two specific isoforms of     said one or two further transcription factor(s) are:     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 7 or FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising a         nucleic acid sequence with up to 74 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; and the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the nucleic         acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 8 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of         nucleic acid sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 8; -    and wherein said subject is assessed as suffering from cancer or as     being prone to suffer from cancer if     -   i) the transcription factor is GATA6 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of GATA6 is higher than 0.5, in         particular higher than 1.0, more particularly higher than 1.5;         and/or     -   ii) the transcription factor is NKX2-1 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of NKX2-1 is higher than         0.3, in particular higher than 1.0, more particularly higher         than 1.7; and     -   iii) the transcription factor is FOXA2 and the ratio of the         amount of said Em and said Ad isoform of FOXA2 is higher than         0.8; and/or     -   iv) the transcription factor is ID2 and the ratio of the amount         of said Em and said Ad isoform of ID2 is higher than 1. -   12. The method according to items 1 to 11, wherein said sample     comprises tumor cells. -   13. The method according to items 1 to 12, wherein said sample is a     breath condensate sample. -   14. The method according to items 1 to 12, wherein said sample is a     biopsy sample. -   15. The method according to items 1 to 12, wherein said sample is a     breath condensate sample, a biopsy sample, a blood sample, or a     bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample. -   16. The method according to any of items 1, 2, or 7 to 10, wherein     the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is     measured on the polypeptide level. -   17. The method according to item 16, wherein the amount of said     specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured by an ELISA, a     gel- or blot-based method, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry or     FACS. -   18. The method according to item 16 or 17, wherein said sample     comprises tumor cells. -   19. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein said     sample is a breath condensate sample. -   20. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein said     sample is a biopsy sample. -   21. The method according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein said     sample is a breath condensate sample, a biopsy sample, a blood     sample, a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample, a mucus sample or a     phlegm sample. -   22. The method according to items 1 to 21, wherein said cancer is a     lung cancer. -   23. The method according to item 22, wherein said lung cancer is     non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). -   24. The method according to item 23, wherein said NSCLC is an     adenocarcinoma, a squamous cell carcinoma or a large cell carcinoma. -   25. The method according to item 23, wherein said adenocarcinoma is     a bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   26. The method according to item 23, wherein said adenocarcinoma is     a bronchoalveolar carcinoma, an acinar adenocarcinoma, a papillary     adenocarcinoma, a solid adenocarcinoma with mucin production, a     adenocarcinoma with mixed subtypes, a variant adenocarcinomas,     including well differentiated fetal adenocarcinoma, mucinous     (colloid) adenocarcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, signet ring     adenocarcinoma, or clear cell adenocarcinoma. -   27. The method according to item 22, wherein said lung cancer is     small cell lung cancer. -   28. The method according to any one of items 1 to 27, wherein said     subject is a human subject. -   29. The method of item 28, wherein said human subject is a subject     having an increased risk for developing cancer. -   30. A method of treating a patient, said method comprising     -   a) selecting a cancer patient according to the method of any of         items 1 to 29     -   b) administering to said cancer patient an effective amount of         an anti-cancer agent and/or radiation therapy. -   31. The method of treating a patient according to item 30, wherein     said anti-cancer agent is an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform nucleic acid sequence with         up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1;         or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   32. The method of treating a patient according to item 30 or 31,     wherein said cancer patient is a patient suffering from lung cancer. -   33. The method according to item 32, wherein said lung cancer is     non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). -   34. The method according to item 33, wherein said NSCLC is an     adenocarcinoma, a squamous cell carcinoma or a large cell carcinoma. -   35. The method according to item 33, wherein said adenocarcinoma is     a bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   36. The method according to item 33, wherein said adenocarcinoma is     a bronchoalveolar carcinoma, an acinar adenocarcinoma, a papillary     adenocarcinoma, a solid adenocarcinoma with mucin production, a     adenocarcinoma with mixed subtypes, a variant adenocarcinomas,     including well differentiated fetal adenocarcinoma, mucinous     (colloid) adenocarcinoma, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, signet ring     adenocarcinoma, or clear cell adenocarcinoma. -   37. The method according to item 32, wherein said lung cancer is     small cell lung cancer. -   38. A composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; or -    the method of treating a patient according to any one of items 30     to 37, wherein said anti-cancer agent comprises or is a composition     for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; or     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2 -   39. The composition for use in medicine of item 38, or the method of     treating a patient according to any one of items 30 to 38, wherein     said inhibitor comprises a siRNA or shRNA specifically targeting     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4. -   40. The composition for use in medicine of item 39, or the method of     treating a patient according to item 39, wherein said siRNA is     selected from the group of siRNAs consisting of SEQ ID No: 41 to SEQ     ID NO: 46. -   41. The composition for use in medicine of item 39, or the method of     treating a patient according to item 39, wherein said shRNA is     selected from the group of shRNAs consisting of SEQ ID No: 47 to SEQ     ID NO: 49. -   42. A composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; -    or the method of treating a patient according to any one of items     30 to 37, wherein said anti-cancer agent comprises or is a     composition for use in medicine comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2; -   43. The composition according to item 42, or the method of treating     a patient according to item 42, further comprising an inhibitor of     -   i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4 -   44. The composition for use in medicine of items 38 to 43, or the     method of treating a patient according to any one of items 38 to 43,     wherein said inhibitor further comprises protamine. -   45. The composition for use in medicine of items 38 to 43, or the     method of treating a patient according to any one of items 38 to 43,     wherein the inhibitor further comprises a fusion protein of     protamine and an antigen-targeting polypeptide. -   46. The composition for use in medicine of item 45, or the method of     treating a patient according to item 45, wherein said     antigen-targeting polypeptide is targeting a protein selected from     the group of proteins consisting of ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2,     CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4,     and CDH11. -   47. The composition for use in medicine of item 45 or item 46, or     the method of treating a patient according to item 45 or 46, wherein     said antigen-targeting polypeptide is a monoclonal antibody or a     single chain variable fragment. -   48. The composition of any one of items 38 to 47, or the method of     treating a patient according to any one of items 38 to 47, for the     use in the treatment of a lung disease. -   49. The composition of item 48, or the method of treating a patient     according to item 48 for the use in the treatment of a lung disease,     wherein the lung disease is a lung cancer. -   50. The composition of item 49 for the use in the treatment of a     lung cancer, or the method of treating a patient according to item     49, wherein said lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). -   51. The composition of item 50 for the use in the treatment of a     lung cancer, or the method of treating a patient according to item     50, wherein said NSCLC is an adenocarcinoma, a squamous cell     carcinoma or a large cell carcinoma. -   52. The composition of item 51 for the use in the treatment of a     lung cancer, or the method of treating a patient according to item     51, wherein said adenocarcinoma is a bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   53. The composition of item 51 for the use in the treatment of a     lung cancer, or the method of treating a patient according to item     51, wherein said adenocarcinoma is a bronchoalveolar carcinoma, an     acinar adenocarcinoma, a papillary adenocarcinoma, a solid     adenocarcinoma with mucin production, a adenocarcinoma with mixed     subtypes, a variant adenocarcinomas, including well differentiated     fetal adenocarcinoma, mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinoma, mucinous     cystadenocarcinoma, signet ring adenocarcinoma, or clear cell     adenocarcinoma. -   54. The composition of item 49 for the use in the treatment of a     lung cancer, or the method of treating a patient according to item     49, wherein said lung cancer is small cell lung cancer. -   55. A kit for use in any of the methods according to items 1 to 54     comprising reagents for measuring in a sample specifically the     amount of one or two transcription factor isoforms selected from the     group of specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1; and     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2. -   56. The kit according to item 55 further comprising reagents for     measuring in a sample specifically the amount of one or two     transcription factor isoforms selected from the group of specific     transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4. -   57. The kit according to item 54 or 55 further comprising reagents     for measuring in a sample specifically the amount of one or several     further transcription factor isoform(s) selected from the group of     specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of     -   i) the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 5;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 38 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 7 or FOXA2 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid         sequence with up to 74 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; and     -   iv) the ID2 Ad isoform consisting of the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 8 or ID2 Ad isoform consisting of nucleic acid         sequence with up to 30 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 8; -   58. The kit of any one of items 54 to 57, wherein said sample     comprises tumor cells. -   59. The kit of item 58, wherein said sample is a breath condensate     sample. -   60. The kit of item 58, wherein said sample is a biopsy sample. -   61. The kit of item 58, wherein said sample is a breath condensate     sample, a biopsy sample, a blood sample, a bronchoalveolar lavage     fluid sample, a mucus sample or a phlegm sample. -   62. The kit of any one of items 58 to 61, wherein said sample is a     sample from a human subject. -   63. The kit of item 62, wherein the kit comprises one or several     primers selected from the group of primers comprising the nucleic     acid sequence of SEQ IDs 9 to 40.

The proteins to be targeted in accordance with the above and mentioned in item 32 above can be selected from the group of proteins consisting of ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11. The proteins ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11 are preferably human. The proteins are known in the art and their respective amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences encoding the proteins can be retrieved from the corresponding databases, like Uniprot or NCBI. The following table provides an overview of human proteins ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11, showing the gene symbol as used above, the gene name and the accession numbers. By using this information a person skilled in the art is readily in the position to retrieve the sequence of any one of the human proteins ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11. These proteins are also described further below in more detail and also exemplary nucleotide and amino acid sequences thereof are provided herein.

Human NCBI Gene Uniprot Gene NCBI (Transcript, Symbol Gene Name ID ID Protein) ITGB2 Integrin beta-2 P05107 3689 NM_000211.3, NP_000202.2 PTGIS prostaglandin I2 Q16647 5740 NM_000961.3, (prostacyclin) NP_000952.1 synthase BASP1 brain abundant, P80723 10409 NM_001271606.1, membrane attached NP_001258535.1 signal protein 1 DES desmin P17661 1674 NM_001927.3, NP_001918.3 ITGA2 integrin, alpha 2 P17301 3673 NM_002203.3, (CD49B, alpha 2 NP_002194.2 subunit of VLA-2 receptor) CTSS cathepsin S P25774 1520 NM_001199739.1, NP_001186668.1 (isoform 2) NM_004079.4, NP_004070.3 (isoform 1) PTPRC protein tyrosine Q6PJK7 5788 NM_001267798.1, phosphatase, NP_001254727.1 receptor type, C (isoform 5) NM_002838.4, NP_002829.3 (isoform 1) NM_080921.3, NP_563578.2 (isoform 2) ANPEP aminopeptidase P15144 290 NM_001150.2, N precursor NP_001141.2 FILIP1L filamin A Q4L180 11259 NM_182909.2, interacting NP_878913.2 protein 1-like (isoform 1) NM_014890.2, NP_055705.2 (isoform 2) NM_001042459.1, NP_001035924.1 (isoform 3) MGLL monoglyceride Q99685 23945 NM_011844.4, lipase NP_035974.1 (isoform b) NM_001166251.1 NP_001159723.1 (isoform a) OSMR oncostatin M Q99650 9180 NM_001168355.1, receptor NP_001161827.1 (isoform 2) NM_003999.2, NP_003990.1 (isoform 1) ITGB6 integrin, beta 6 P18564 3694 NM_000888.3, NP_000879.2 AGPAT4 1-acylglycerol-3- Q9NRZ5 56895 NM_020133.2, phosphate O- NP_064518.1 acyltransferase 4 ASS1 argininosuccinate P00966 445 NM_000050.4, synthetase 1 NP_000041.2 CSPG4 chondroitin sulfate Q6UVK1 1464 NM_001897.4, proteoglycan 4 NP_001888.2 CDH11 cadherin 11, P55287 1009 NM_001797.2, type 2, OB- NP_001788.2 cadherin (osteoblast)

The following table provides an overview of murine proteins ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11, showing the gene symbol as used above, the gene name and the accession numbers. By using this information a person skilled in the art is readily in the position to retrieve the sequence of any one of the murine proteins ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11.

Mouse NCBI Gene Gene Symbol Gene Name Uniprot ID NCBI Itgb2 Integrin beta-2 P11835 16414 NM_008404.4, NP_032430.2 Ptgis prostaglandin I2 Q8BXC0 19223 NM_008968.3, (prostacyclin) NP_032994.1 synthase Basp1 brain abundant, Q91XV3 70350 NM_027395.2, membrane attached NP_081671.1 signal protein 1 Des desmin P31001 13346 NM_010043.1, NP_034173.1 Itga2 integrin, alpha 2 Q62469 16398 NM_008396.2, (CD49B, alpha 2 NP_032422.2 subunit of VLA-2 receptor) Ctss cathepsin S Q3U5K1 13040 NM_021281.2, NP_067256.3 NM_001267695.1, NP_001254624.1 Ptprc protein tyrosine P06800 19264 NM_001111316.2 phosphatase, NP_001104786.2 receptor type, C (isoform 1) NM_001268286.1, NP_001255215.1 NM_011210.4, NP_035340.3 (isoform 2) Anpep aminopeptidase N P97449 16790 NM_008486.2, precursor NP_032512.2 Filip1l filamin A Q6P6LO 78749 NM_001040397.4, interacting NP_001035487.2 protein 1-like (isoform 1) NM_001177871.1, NP_001171342.1 (isoform 2) Mgll monoglyceride O35678 11343 NM_007283.6, lipase NP_009214.1 (isoform 1) NM_001256585.1 NP_001243514.1 (isoform 3) NM_001003794.2, NP_001003794.1 (isoform 2) Osmr oncostatin M O70458 18414 NM_011019.3, receptor NP_035149.2 Itgb6 integrin, beta 6 Q9Z0T9 16420 NM_001159564.1, NP_001153036.1 Agpta4 1-acylglycerol-3- Q8K4X7 68262 NM_026644.2, phosphate O- NP_080920.2 acyltransferase 4 Ass1 argininosuccinate P16460 11898 NM_007494.3, synthetase 1 NP_031520.1 Cspg4 chondroitin sulfate Q8VHY0 121021 NM_139001.2, proteoglycan 4 NP_620570.2 Cdh11 cadherin 11, type 2, P55288 12552 NM_009866.4, OB-cadherin NP_033996.4 (osteoblast)

Herein above, markers, in particular GATA6 Em isoform and NKX2-1 Em isoform, for the diagnosis of cancer, particularly lung cancer, have been provided and described. These markers are highly expressed in cancer and are therefore useful as targets in the therapy of cancer. The following provide nucleic acid delivery systems that can be used in the therapy of these cancers or as research tools, inter alia, targeting GATA6 Em isoform and NKX2-1 Em isoform. Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a nucleic acid delivery system, in particular, an alveolar type II cell directed nucleic acid delivery system for the treatment of lung diseases. Provided is a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type II epithelial cell (ATII cells), wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of ATII cells, wherein said specific surface marker is ITGB2 or ITGB6. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the nucleic acid delivery system in the treatment of a lung disease.

The lung is a complex organ consisting of different epithelial and mesenchymal cell lineages organized in a proximal-distal manner, with several specialized cell types that form the functional gas exchange interface required for postnatal respiration (FIG. 19, [21639799, 20531299]). The lung shows slow homeostatic turnover but rapid repair after injury, and tissue-resident lung-endogenous progenitor cell niches located in specific regions along the proximal-distal axis of the airways are thought to be responsible for both processes (Rawlins and Hogan, 2006). ATII cells represent one of these regional progenitor cell populations and are located in the alveoli. ATII cells are responsible for regeneration of alveolar epithelium during homeostatic turnover and in response to injury [PMID: 4812806, 163758, 12922980, 21079581]. ATII cells have been related to a diversity of lung diseases including lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis [PMID: 22411819, 23134111, 19934355, 16888288, 19335897]. Thus, characterization of the regulatory mechanisms controlling the proper balance between expansion and differentiation of ATII cells will have a profound impact on our understanding and treatment of lung disease. However, detailed characterization of ATII cells has been challenging since the most specific known cellular marker for these cells (surfactant associated protein C, SFTPC or SP-C) is a secreted molecule making difficult the enrichment of a homogenous population of these cells. Furthermore, a lack of reliable cell markers of ATII cells hampers the specific targeting of said cells using siRNAs or alternative agents. Thus, there is a great need to identify specific ATII cell markers to provide means and methods to target ATII cells specifically. Accordingly, the technical problem underlying the present invention is the provision of means and methods to target ATII cells specifically.

The technical problem is solved by provision of the embodiments herein, inter alia, in the items below.

-   1. A nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids     specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell, wherein said     system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker     of alveolar type-II epithelial cells, wherein said specific surface     marker is Itgb2 or Itgb6. -   2. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 1, wherein     said polypeptide is a monoclonal antibody or a single chain variable     fragment. -   3. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 1 or 2,     wherein said polypeptide is fused to a nucleic acid binding     molecule. -   4. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 3, wherein     said nucleic acid binding molecule is protamine or a polypeptide     having at least 90% identity with protamine and having nucleic acid     binding activity. -   5. The nucleic acid delivery system according to any one of items 1     to 4, wherein said system comprises a nucleic acid, such as an siRNA     or shRNA. -   6. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 5, wherein     said siRNA is specifically targeting an mRNA being upregulated in a     lung disease, like lung cancer, such as adenocarcinoma or a     bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   7. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 5 or 6,     wherein said siRNA is targeting     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; -   8. The nucleic acid delivery system according to any one of items 1     to 7, wherein said surface marker Itgb2 has the amino acid sequence     as shown in SEQ ID NO. 110, and wherein said surface marker Itgb6     has the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO. 150. -   9. Use of the nucleic acid delivery systems of any one of items 1 to     8 for the transfection of specifically alveolar type-II epithelial     cells. -   10. A composition comprising (an) siRNA(s) targeting     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; -    and a fusion protein of protamine and an Itgb2-, or Itgb6-targeting     monoclonal antibody or single chain variable fragment. -   11. A composition for use in medicine comprising the nucleic acid     delivery system of any one of items 1 to 8 or the composition of     item 10. -   12. The composition according to item 11 for the use in the     treatment of a lung disease. -   13. The composition according to item 11 for the use in the     treatment of lung cancer. -   14. The composition according to item 11 for the use in the     treatment of lung adenocarcinoma or lung bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   15. A nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids     into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell according to any of items 1     to 8, wherein the nucleic acid delivery system is a non-viral     nucleic acid delivery system; or the composition according to any of     items 10 to 14, wherein the composition is characterized by being a     substantially non-viral composition.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to the following items:

-   1. A nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids     specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell, wherein said     system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker     of alveolar type-II epithelial cells, wherein said specific surface     marker is Itgb2 or Itgb6. -   2. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 1, wherein     said polypeptide is a monoclonal antibody or a single chain variable     fragment. -   3. The nucleic acid delivery system according to items 1 or 2,     wherein said polypeptide is fused to a nucleic acid binding     molecule. -   4. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 3, wherein     said nucleic acid binding molecule is protamine or a polypeptide     having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%,     98% or at least 99% identity with protamine and having nucleic acid     binding activity. -   5. The nucleic acid delivery system according to items 1 to 4,     wherein said system comprises a nucleic acid, such as an siRNA or     shRNA. -   6. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 5, wherein     said siRNA is specifically targeting an mRNA being upregulated in a     lung disease. -   7. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 6, wherein     said lung disease is lung cancer. -   8. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 7, wherein     said lung cancer is an adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar     cacrinoma. -   9. The nucleic acid delivery system according to item 7 or 8,     wherein said mRNA being upregulated in a lung disease is upregulated     in lung cancer. -   10. The nucleic acid delivery system according to items 5 to 9,     wherein said siRNA is targeting     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; -   11. A composition comprising (an) siRNA(s) targeting     -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform Em comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform Em comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4; -    and a fusion protein of protamine and an Itgb2-, or Itgb6-targeting     monoclonal antibody or single chain variable fragment. -   12. A kit for the delivery of a nucleic acid into an alveolar     type-II epithelial cell comprising any of the nucleic acid delivery     systems of items 1 to 10 or the composition of item 11. -   13. Use of the nucleic acid delivery systems of items 1 to 10 for     the transfection of specifically alveolar type-II epithelial cells. -   14. A composition for use in medicine comprising any of the nucleic     acid delivery systems of items 1 to 10 or the composition of item     11. -   15. The composition according to item 14 for the use in the     treatment of a lung disease. -   16. The composition according to item 14 for the use in the     treatment of lung cancer. -   17. The composition according to item 14 for the use in the     treatment of lung adenocarcinoma or lung bronchoalveolar carcinoma. -   18. A nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids     into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell according to any of items 1     to 10, wherein the nucleic acid delivery system is a non-viral     nucleic acid delivery system. -   19. The composition according to any of items 11 or 14 to 17,     wherein the composition is characterized by being a substantially     non-viral composition. -   20. A method of treating a subject suffering from cancer or a     subject with an increased risk of suffering from cancer comprising     the step of administering to said subject the nucleic acid delivery     system according to items 1 to 10 or 18. -   21. The method of item 20, wherein the subject is a human subject. -   22. The method of item 20, wherein said cancer is a lung cancer. -   23. The method of item 22, wherein said lung cancer is an     adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar carcinoma.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells), wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells), wherein said specific surface marker is ITGB2 or ITGB6.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cell), wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells), wherein said specific surface marker is selected from the group consisting of ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11.

The terms “alveolar type II cell”, “alveolar type II epithelial cell”, “alveolar type-II epithelial cell”, “AT-II cell”, “ATII cell” and the like can be used interchangeably herein.

Metabolic labeling of living organisms with stable isotopes has become a powerful tool for global protein quantitation. The SILAC (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture) approach is based on the incorporation of nonradioactive-labeled isotopic forms of amino acids into cellular proteins [PMID:12118079]. The effective SILAC labeling of immortalized cells and single-cell organisms (e.g., yeast and bacteria) was recently extended to more complex organisms, including worms, flies, and even rodents [PMID:18662549]. The administration of a ¹³C₆-lysine (Lys6—heavy) containing diet for one mouse generation leads to a complete exchange of the natural isotope ¹²C₆-lysine (Lys0—light). Here we used the lung of the fully labeled SILAC mice as a heavy “spike-in” standard into nonlabeled samples of murine ATII or MLE-12 cells (mouse lung epithelial cell line) in combination with high-performance mass spectrometry to analyze fractions of membrane proteins. By a comparison of the membrane protein fractions of ATII cells, MLE-12 cells and whole adult lung derived from the SILAC mouse, we were able to identify membrane proteins that are enriched in ATII cells. A comparison of the results obtained by the proteomic approach with an Affymetrix microarray based expression analysis of ATII cells led us to the identification of 16 membrane proteins that are present and highly expressed in ATII cells; see FIG. 22. These 16 membrane proteins are ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11. Exemplary amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences encoding same are shown in SEQ ID NO. 108 to 126 and 128 to 159.

The 16 membrane proteins described above constitute surface markers of ATII cells that will be recognized by the nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention thereby allowing ATII cell specific targeting. Upon recognition, it is believed that the above described surface proteins of ATII cells will facilitate the internalization of the nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention thereby mediating ATII cell specific delivery. The potential of nucleic acids delivery systems into specific cells using antibodies recognizing cell surface proteins has been previously demonstrated (Schneider (2012) Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids. 1, e46; Dou (2012) Journal of Controlled Release. 16, 875-883; Song (2005) NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY 23(6), 709-717).

It is envisaged herein that the nucleic acid delivery systems can be administered by using an aerosol that will be inhalated thereby ensuring ATII cell specific targeting. The aerosol contains the nucleic acid delivery provided herein.

The herein provided nucleic acid delivery systems are not only useful as a research tool to further characterize ATII cells. The nucleic acid delivery systems can also be used in medical intervention in diseases associated with ATII cells. For example, ATII cells have been related to a diversity of lung diseases including lung cancer (like lung adenocarcinoma), pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis [PMID: 22411819, 23134111, 19934355, 16888288, 19335897]. Thus, the present invention allows the targeting of the ATII cells to provide means for the treatment of lung diseases (including lung cancer (like lung adenocarcinoma), pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis) that arise from or are associated with ATII cells. For example, antibodies against any of the 16 membrane proteins that were identified as ATII cell specific can be used in context of the herein provided nucleic acid delivery system. A combination of the nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention with known as well as newly identified specific agents will help to prevent and to treat a diversity of lung diseases, to which ATII cells have been or will be related, including but not limited to lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

Recently, it was shown that ATII cells are the cells of origin of lung adenocarcinoma (Xu et al 2012, PNAS, word wide web at pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1112499109). In addition, data are provided herein (see Example 12 and FIGS. 25 and 26) which support that lung adenocarcinoma originates from ATII cells.

Lung cancer is a typical model cancer with a very high prevalence. Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. There are two major classes of lung cancer, non small cell lung cancer (contributing to 85% of all lung cancers) and small cell lung cancer (the remaining 15%). Lung cancer cells show an enhanced expression of transcription factors that are present during embryonic development in the endoderm as GATA6 (GATA Binding Factor 6), NKX2-1 (NK2 homeobox 1, also known as Ttf-1, Thyroid transcription factor-1), FOXA2 (Forkhead box protein A2), and ID2 (Inhibitor of DNA binding 2) (Guo M et al., (2004) Clin Cancer Res. 10(23): 7917-24; Kendall J et al., (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 104(42): 16663-8; Tang Y et al., (2011) Cell Res. 21(2): 316-26; Rollin J et al., (2009) PLoS One. 4(1): e4158). It was recently demonstrated that lung adenocarcinoma initiates from clonal expansion of cells expressing high levels of Nkx2-1 and progress to a more aggressive state with low expression of Nkx2-1 (see Winslow (2011) Nature 473(7345): 101-104). GATA6 has been shown to be abundantly expressed in malignant mesotheliomas, and to a small extent, in metastatic adenocarcinomas (see Lindholm (2009) Journal of Clinical Pathology 62(4): 339-344). In addition, GATA6 regulates tumorigenesis related genes, such as KRAS, an oncogene activated by point mutations (see Gorshkove (2005) Biochemistry (Mosc):70: 1180-1184).

GATA6, FOXA2 and NKX2-1 are crucial for early lung development. Genetic analyses with knockout animals demonstrated their role in lung endoderm differentiation and post natal repair and homeostasis. Nkx2-1, Gata6 and Foxa2 are expressed in respiratory epithelial cells throughout lung morphogenesis. They all have been shown to bind and trans-activate many lung specific promoters, including SftpA-, SftpB-, SftpC- and Scgb1a1-promoters (Bruno M D et al., (1995) 270(12): 6531-6; Margana R K and Boggaram V. (1997) J Biol Chem. 272(5): 3083-90). Mice harboring a Nkx2-1 null mutation show severe attenuation of lung airway branching. In addition, the lung epithelial cells present in these mice lack expression of putative targets like SftpC (Minoo P et al., (1999) Dev Biol. 209(1): 60-71). Conditional deletion of Gata6 in the lung endoderm demonstrated its central role in lung endoderm gene expression, proliferation and branching morphogensis. (Keijzer R et al., (2001) Development 128(4): 503-11). A loss of Foxa2 in the lung can be compensated by Foxa1. However, a loss of both Foxa1/2 also dramatically inhibits endoderm differentiation and branching morphogenesis. (Wan H et al., (2005) J Biol Chem. 280(14): 13809-16). Foxa2 has also been shown to be essential for the transition to breathing air at birth (Wan H et al., (2004) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 101(40): 14449-54).

It was demonstrated by the disclosure of a patent application that will be submitted back-to-back with the present application that GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2 share a common gene structure, with two promoters driving the expression of two distinct transcripts. It is surprisingly found that though different isoforms exist only one is oncogenic and is indicative of the presence/development of cancer (see Examples 2 and 3). The embryonic GATA6 and NKX2-1 “Em” transcripts as defined herein are found to be detectable in high levels in human lung cancer cell lines and patient lung cancer biopsies (see Examples 2 and 3). Remarkably, these cancer specific isoforms are oncogenic and forced overexpression in cell lines as well as in mice results in a tumorigenic phenotype (see Examples 4, 6 and 7). This is illustrated by the finding that mice develop adenocarcinoma as early as 5 weeks after transfection with one of those specific embryonic “Em” isoforms. Further, it is surprisingly found that these specific “Em” isoforms can be detected in the blood of mice that are induced for tumor formation, showing their usability as early diagnostic markers for cancer, in particular lung cancer (see Example 3). In addition, overexpression of hyperactive KRAS G12D mutant increases the expression of embryonic Gata6 and Nkx2-1 (FIG. 9), supporting the involvement of the embryonic isoforms in KRAS induced malignant transformation. Furthermore, siRNA mediated loss-of-function of Gata6 Em reduces the number and the size of lung tumors after tail vein injection of LLC1 cells (FIG. 8), demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting the embryonic isoforms. In a normal, healthy ATII cell, the embryonic isoforms should be expressed at very low level. Only after transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell the expression of the embryonic isoforms increases dramatically.

Therefore, it is plausible that the nucleic acid delivery system provided herein can be used to treat ATII relates lung diseases, like lung adenocarcinoma, for example via an ATII cell directed loss-of-function of the embryonic isoforms of GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and/or ID2.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that integrin beta 2 and 6 (ITGB2 and ITGB6) are indeed present in ATII cells. Integrins are heterodimeric cell adhesion molecules that are formed by specific non-covalent associations of an alpha and a beta subunit [22819514]. In general each integrin subunint has a large extracellular region, a single pass transmembrane domain and a short cytoplasmic tail [PMID: 21421922]. Integrins mediate cell-cell and cell-ECM (extracellular matrix) interaction and transmit signals across the plasma membrane in both directions between their extracellular ligand binding adhesion sites and their cytoplasmic domain [PMID: 12297042, 22458844], thereby linking the cytoskeleton to several signal transduction pathways [21900405, 18441324, 15863032, 15554942, 15053919]. Surprisingly, a close analysis of the membrane protein fraction of ATII cells showed an enrichment of proteins that are involved in WNT signaling. Therefore WNT signaling was analyzed in the lung of Itgb2^(−/−) mice [8700894]. Enhanced expression and increased protein levels of WNT targets were found in the lung of Itgb2^(−/−) mice. It was found that Itgb2 seems to be required for a negative regulation of WNT signaling in the adult lung. Moreover, ectopic expression of Itgb2 in MLE-12 cells counteracted the lithium chloride (LiCl) induced enhancement of WNT signaling. It is shown herein that ITGB2 and ITGB6 are cell surface markers for a subpopulation of ATII cells. Proteins that are involved in WNT signaling are enriched in the membrane of ATII cells, showing an important role of this pathway. Furthermore, Itgb2 is required for a negative regulation of WNT signaling in the lung.

Integrins have been involved in lung development, lung epithelial cell differentiation and epithelial repair after lung injury [PMID:12242717; 18725542; 12843406, 16169900, 20363851]. The epithelial cells of the airways express multiple members of the integrin family. Although the multiple integrins on airway epithelial cells may have overlapping ligand binding specificities thereby supporting adhesion to the same molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the functional roles of each integrin that has been examined in detail are quite distinct. Several integrins are able to activate latent transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) located in the ECM thereby showing a critical role of ECM and integrins in regulating TGFB signaling [PMID 21900405, 23046811]. Integrins play a role in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling through cross-talk with FGF receptors [18441324; 15863032].

A regulation of WNT signaling by cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion has been suggested to be mediated by integrin outside-in signaling [PMID:15554942; 15053919]. Although the majority of recent studies in embryonic stem cells and organ progenitor cells have focused on the role of growth factors, such as TGFB, FGF and WNT, relatively little is known about the role of ECM-integrin signaling. Recent data provide evidence that ECM-integrin signaling promotes differentiation of human embryonic stem cells toward definitive endoderm [PMID 23154389], an early embryonic cell population fated to give rise to specific organs such as the lung, liver, pancreas, stomach, and intestine. In the mouse adult lung a subpopulation of alveolar epithelial cells expressing Itga6 and Itgb4 has been reported to have regenerative potential after lung injury making it a strong candidate as progenitor cells during alveolar epithelium repair [21701069; 21701072]. The data provided herein confirmed that integrin beta 2 and 6 (ITGB2 and ITGB6) are indeed present in ATII cells.

Further characterization of these cells after sorting and enrichment of a homogenous cell population could have a profound impact on our understanding on the regulatory mechanisms controlling the proper balance between expansion and differentiation of ATII cells. In addition, it will be relevant for clinical applications to determine the regenerative potential of these ITGB2- and ITGB6-positive cells using lung injury models. The herein described surface markers of ATII cells (ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11) can be used in accordance with the present invention to sort and/or enrich ATII cells. Accordingly, a cell population enriched in ATII cells is provided herein.

ATII cells have been related to a diversity of lung diseases including lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis [PMID: 22411819, 23134111, 19934355, 16888288, 19335897]. On the other hand, integrins have been related to different processes in the lung like regulation of lung inflammation, macrophage protease expression, pulmonary fibrosis, the pulmonary edema that follows acute lung injury and malignant transformation [PMID: 12843406, 23046811, 18378634, 14527926, 22802286]. Thus our data suggest that Itgb2 and Itgb6 are attractive as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for intervention in a number of common lung disorders (like lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis, lung inflammation, macrophage protease expression, pulmonary fibrosis, the pulmonary edema that follows acute lung injury and malignant transformation. Indeed, significant efforts have been directed towards the development of advanced molecular tools for an integrin-mediated drug delivery in cancer and cardiovascular diseases with peptide-functionalized nanoparticles [22612699].

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cell), wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells), wherein said specific surface marker is selected from the group consisting of ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cell), wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells), wherein said specific surface marker is ITGB2 or ITGB6.

In accordance with the above, the present invention provides a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cell), wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells). Preferably, the nucleic acid delivery system is for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cell).

A “nucleic acid delivery system” according to the present invention can be any system capable of introducing or transferring a nucleic acid into a cell. Suitable systems taking advantage of surface markers are described in the art, such as (Schneider (2012) loc. cit.; Dou (2012) loc. cit., or Song (2005) loc. cit. (see also PMID: 12067443 PMID 9862854 PMID: 16146351 PMID: 16606824 PMID: 16778167 PMID: 16823371 PMID: 11156528 PMID: 15908939 PMID: 21902630) which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The term “specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” as used herein refers to a membrane protein. The membrane protein is primarily found at the surface of alveolar type-II epithelial cells (ATII cells). The “specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” is therefore characteristic or specific for alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells). For example, other lung cell types do not have such a “specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” (e.g. other lung cell types do not have such a “specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” in detectable amounts). Other lung cell types than alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells) can, for example, have significantly less “specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” than alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells).

Exemplary “specific surface markers of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” of the present invention are ITGB2, ITGB6, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11. Preferred specific surface markers are ITGB2 and ITGB6. Exemplary amino acid sequences of the surface markers and nucleic acid sequences encoding these surface markers are shown in SEQ ID NO:s 108-126 and 128 to 159. Also the use of variants of these surface markers (like variants with SNP polymorphisms or other genetic variants, like mutants) is envisaged herein without deferring from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, also membrane proteins having a certain level of identity (like at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%) to any of these membrane proteins as shown in the above SEQ ID NO.s is envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

The “nucleic acid delivery system” according to the present invention comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells) as described herein. The “nucleic acid delivery system” according to the present invention can be used as a transfection system for the targeted transfection of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells). Said polypeptide can induce internalization of the surface marker(s), thereby allowing or facilitating or enhancing the transport/delivery of (a) nucleic acid(s) into the alveolar type-II epithelial cell(s) (ATII cell(s)) (s). Alternatively, the polypeptide binds to the specific surface marker without inducing its internalization. The delivery of the nucleic acids can be achieved by taking advantage of the naturally occurring internalization procedure of the surface markers. It is believed that the entire surface marker-polypeptide-complex (including e.g. nucleic acids bound to the polypeptide either directly or indirectly) is internalized and that thereby the nucleic acid is delivered into the ATII cell. It is envisaged that the nucleic acids to be delivered into the ATII cells are bound either directly or indirectly to the polypeptide. Indirect binding can involve the use of a nucleic acid binding molecule like protamine, histones, high mobility group proteins, a cell-permeant RNA-binding protein, a HIV-1 TAT peptide, or a polypeptide sharing at least 60% identity with one of those polypeptides, at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, preferably at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% and having nucleic acid binding capability. A “nucleic acid binding molecule” according to the present invention can be protamine. A “nucleic acid binding molecule” according to the present invention can be digoxigenin or nano particles.

A “polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention can be any polypeptide (e.g. haptens or antibodies and the like) which shows binding capacity to a “specific surface marker” of an alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells). In particular, such a polypeptide can be an antibody or a fragment of an antibody, like for example a Fab fragment an F(ab)′ fragment of an antibody, or a F(ab)2-fragment. The antibody can be a full antibody (immunoglobulin), a murine antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, a human antibody, a deimmunized antibody, a single-chain antibody, a CDR-grafted antibody, a bivalent antibody-construct, a synthetic antibody, a bispecific single chain antibody or a cross-cloned antibody. A “polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention can be a monoclonal antibody or a single chain variable fragment.

A person skilled in the art is readily in the position to generate antibodies binding to a specific surface maker. Polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies or other antibodies (derived therefrom) can be routinely prepared using, inter alia, standard immunization protocols; see Ed Harlow, David Lane, (December 1988), Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; or Ed Harlow, David Lane, (December 1998), Portable Protocols (Using Antibodies): A Laboratory Manual 2nd edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

For example, immunization may involve the intraperitoneal or subcutaneous administration of the surface marker (and/or fragments, isoforms, homologues and so on) as defined herein to a mammal (e.g. rodents such as mice, rats, hamsters and the like). Preferably, fragments of the surface marker are used, wherein the fragment preferably comprises the extracellular domain of the surface marker (or a part thereof). For example, a fragment, e.g. of the extracellular domain, of the surface marker ITGB2 (preferably ITGB2 shown in SEQ ID NO: 110) may be used. For example, a fragment, e.g. of the extracellular domain, of the surface marker ITGB6 (preferably ITGB6 shown in SEQ ID NO: 150) may be used.

The fragment can consist of five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or sixteen or more of the entire surface marker, particularly of the extraceullar domain thereof. Corresponding fragments (peptides) may be prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis or by chemical synthesis.

For example, antibodies recognizing the surface marker may be affinity purified. ELISA is commonly used for screening sera and/or assaying affinity column fractions. Western Blots can be used to demonstrate that the antibody can detect the actual protein of interest and to evaluate whether the antibody only recognizes the protein of interest, or if it cross-reacts with other proteins.

A person skilled in the art is in the position to apply and to adapt the teaching of these documents for the generation and validation of antibodies specifically binding to or specifically recognizing the polypeptides as defined herein in context of the present invention.

“Alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” and their characteristics are well known [PMID: 4812806; PMID: 163758; PMID: 21079581; PMID: 62893; PMID: 12922980; PMID: 9151120; PMID: 8770063; PMID: 7917310] An “alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention is an “alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” having at least one surface marker of the group consisting of ITGB2, ITGB6, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11. An “alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention can have at least the surface marker ITGB2 and/or ITGB6. The one or more surface marker can be enriched on the cell surface of an “alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention. The one or more surface marker can be enriched on the cell surface of an “alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention compared to other lung cell lines, e.g. in MLE-12 cells.

An exemplary nucleic delivery system for use in the present invention, wherein the nucleic acid is directly (via a digoxigenin label) bound to a polypeptide is described in Schneider (2012) loc. cit. This delivery system can be used in context of the present invention: A bispecific antibody (e.g. a bispecific monoclonal antibody or bispecific single chain variable fragment or bispecific single chain antibody) can be used, wherein a first variable domain is capable of binding to a surface marker and a second variable domain is capable of binding to digoxigenin. The nucleic acids (like siRNAs and the like) can be labeled with digoxigenin e.g. at its 3′ ends. The bispecific antibody binds to both the surface marker and the digoxigenin labeled nucleic acid and thereby effects delivery of the siRNA into the ATII cells.

The “polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells)” according to the present invention can be fused to or otherwise bound to a nucleic acid binding molecule. For example, the nucleic acid(s) to be delivered is (are) bound to or associated with the binding molecule(s) and the binding molecule(s) is(are), in turn, bound by the polypeptide(s). Upon binding of the polypeptide(s) to the surface marker(s), the nucleic acid(s) is(are) delivered into the ATII cell(s).

A “nucleic acid binding molecule” according to the present invention can be any molecule which is capable of binding nucleic acids, like a polypeptide. A “nucleic acid binding molecule” according to the present invention can be a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of protamine, histones, high mobility group proteins, a cell-permeant RNA-binding protein, a HIV-1 TAT peptide, or a polypeptide sharing at least 60% identity with one of those polypeptides, at least 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, preferably at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% and having nucleic acid binding capability. A “nucleic acid binding molecule” according to the present invention can be a protamine. A “nucleic acid binding molecule” according to the present invention can be digoxigenin or nano particles.

An exemplary nucleic acid delivery system that takes advantage of a nucleic acid binding molecule is described in Song (2012), loc. cit. or Dou (2012) loc. cit. These delivery systems can be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a nucleic acid binding molecule (like protamine and the like) can be fused in frame to a e.g. a sequence encoding the C-terminus of a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker (e.g. the C-terminus of the heavy chain of an antibody). Expression can be performed in appropriate host systems (like eukaryotic host cells, e.g. CHO cells). Because the nucleic acid (e.g. siRNA) binds to the binding molecule fused to the polypeptide, the nucleic acid can be delivered to the ATII cell upon binding of the polypeptide-binding molecule-nucleic acid complex to the surface marker.

A “nucleic acid” according to the present invention can be any nucleic acid. If for example, it is aimed to overexpress a gene in a alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells) according to the present invention, the nucleic acid may be a nucleic acid encoding said polypeptide linked to regulatory elements for the expression and/or translation of said polypeptide. If, for example, the aim is to reduce or abandon the expression of a gene product in a alveolar type-II epithelial cell (ATII cells) according to the present invention, the nucleic acid may be an antisense DNA or RNA molecule or be an siRNA molecule specifically targeting the gene of which the product should be reduced in its expression. The nucleic acid may also encode an antisense RNA molecule or a shRNA molecule.

The nucleic acid delivery system to be used herein comprises a nucleic acid molecule to be delivered, such as the afore-mentioned DNA or RNA molecules, like siRNA, shRNA, miRNA (or DNA molecules encoding same) and so forth. Also modified forms of these molecules to improve characteristic of these molecules as stability and or specificity are envisaged herein.

The nucleic acid delivery system according to the present invention may comprise an siRNA. This siRNA is preferably an siRNA specifically targeting an mRNA being upregulated in a lung disease. The nucleic acid delivery system according to the present invention may comprise an shRNA. This shRNA is preferably an shRNA specifically targeting an mRNA being upregulated in a lung disease.

A “lung disease” according to the present invention can be any lung disease. Preferably, it is a “lung disease” which is associated with malfunction or disregulation of ATII cells. Examples of such diseases are lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and cystic fibrosis [PMID: 22411819, 23134111, 19934355, 16888288, 19335897].

A “lung cancer” according to the present invention can be any “lung cancer”. Preferably, it is a “lung cancer” which is associated with or derived from alveolar type-II epithelial cells (ATII cells). Examples of such “lung cancers” are adenocarcinoma or bronchoalveolar carcinoma. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, “lung cancer” is “lung adenocarcinoma”.

The nucleic acid system of the present invention can be used to treat lung cancer, for example, when it comprises an siRNA specifically targeting an mRNA being upregulated in lung cancer. Examples of such mRNAs being upregulated in lung cancer are

-   -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4.

Thus, the siRNAs according to the present invention may be siRNAs targeting said mRNAs being upregulated in lung cancer.

The present invention relates to a composition comprising (an) siRNA(s) targeting

-   -   i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid         sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 1;     -   ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic         acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or         substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2;     -   iii) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence         of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 3; or     -   iv) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of         SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising nucleic acid         sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of         SEQ ID NO: 4;         and a fusion protein of a nucleic acid binding molecule (like         the polypeptides described herein, such as protamine) and an         surface marker (e.g. Itgb2- or Itgb6-)-targeting antibody (e.g.         monoclonal antibody or single chain variable fragment).

Genes can contain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The specific transcription factor Em isoform sequences of the present invention encompass (genetic) variants thereof, for example, variants having SNPs. Without deferring from the gist of the present invention, all naturally occurring sequences of the respective isoform independent of the number and nature of the SNPs in said sequence can be used herein. To relate to currently known SNPs, the transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention are defined such that they contain up to SS (in the case of GATA6), up to 39 (in the case of NKX2-1), up to 68 (in the case of FOXA2) or up to 34 (in the case of ID2) additions, deletions or substitutions of the nucleic acid sequences defined by SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Thus, respective Em transcripts of carriers of different nucleotides at the respective SNPs are covered by the present application.

These “specific transcription factor Em isoform” (like GATA6 Em isoform, NKX2-1 Em isoform, FOXA2 Em isoform and ID2 Em isoform) have been described herein above in detail. These definitions and explanations apply, mutatis mutandis, in this context.

The person skilled in the art knows how to design siRNAs and shRNAs which specifically target the specific transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention. Examples of such specific siRNAs and shRNAs targeting the specific transcription factor Em isoforms of the present invention are depicted in Tables 6 and 7.

TABLE 10 Examples of siRNA sequences for the knockdown of Gata6 Em and Foxa2 Em Sense Antisense Target Sequence strand siRNA strand siRNA Gata6 SEQ ID NO: 58 SEQ ID NO: 41 SEQ ID NO: 43 AATCAGGAGCGCA UCAGGAGCGCAGG CUGCAGCCUGCGC GGCTGCAG CUGCAGtt UCCUGAtt SEQ ID NO: 59 SEQ ID NO: 42 SEQ ID NO: 44 AAGAGGCGCCTCC GAGGCGCCUCCUC AGGAGAGAGGAGG TCTCTCCT UCUCCUtt CGCCUCtt Foxa2 SEQ ID NO: 60 SEQ ID NO: 45 SEQ ID NO: 46 AAACCGCCATGCA ACCGCCAUGCACU AAGCCGAGUGCAU CTCGGCTT CGGCUUtt GGCGGUtt

TABLE 11 Examples of DNA sequences encoding hairpin sequences from which shRNA sequences are cleaved that can be used for the knockdown of Nkx2-1 Nkx2-1 shHairpin sequence (5′-3′) SEQ ID NO: 47 CCGGCCCATGAAGAAGAAAGCAATTCTCGAGAATT GCTTTCTTCTTCATGGGTTTTTG SEQ ID NO: 48 GTACCGGGGGATCATCCTTGTAGATAAACTCGAGT TTATCTACAAGGATGATCCCTTTTTTG SEQ ID NO: 49 CCGGATTCGGAATCAGCTAGCAATTCTCGAGAATT GCTAGCTGATTCCGAATTTTTTG

The use of corresponding shRNA molecules is envisaged herein (i.e. the shRNA molecules are cleaved from hairpin sequences which are identical to the above DNA sequences of Table 11 with the exception that the “T” residues are replaced by “U” residues).

The siRNA to be used herein can comprise a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence of SEQ ID NOs 41, 43, 42, 44, 45 or 46. It is to be understood that an siRNA molecule consists of an antisense and a sense strand. For example, an siRNA targeting a GATA6 Em isoform can consist of a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence of SEQ ID NOs 41, and a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence 43. For example, an siRNA targeting a GATA6 Em isoform can consist of a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence of SEQ ID NOs 42, and a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence 44. For example, an siRNA targeting a FOXA2 Em isoform can consist of a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence of SEQ ID NOs 45, and a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten contiguous bases of a sequence as shown in the sequence 46.

Up to 10% of the contiguous bases of the above-mentioned nucleic acid-molecule can be non-complementary. The nucleic acid molecule may further comprise at least one base at the 5′ end and/or at least one base at the 3′ end. The siRNA to be used herein can consist of a molecule as shown in SEQ ID No. 41 and 43; SEQ ID NO. 42 and 44; or SEQ ID NO. 45 and 46.

The present invention relates to a kit for the delivery of a nucleic acid into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell comprising any the nucleic acid delivery system. The kit according to the present invention is a kit which contains all the components which are necessary to deliver nucleic acids into alveolar type-II epithelial cells. In particular, the kit may contain a fusion protein of a nucleic acid binding protein and a polypeptide specifically binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cells. As an example, the kit may comprise a fusion protein of protamine and a monoclonal antibody or a single chain variable fragment, wherein the antibody or the single chain variable fragment specifically binds to a cell surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cells, wherein this cell surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cells is preferably selected from the group of proteins consisting of ITGB2, ITGB6, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11.

The present invention relates to the use of the nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention for the transfection of alveolar type-II epithelial cells. In other words, the present invention provides a method for delivering nucleic acid molecules (such as DNA molecules or RNA molecules (e.g. siRNA) into ATII cells, wherein the nucleic acid is bound directly or indirectly (e.g. via a nucleic binding molecule) to a polypeptides binding to a specific surface marker of ATII cells. The nucleic acid delivery system may be used to deliver nucleic acid molecules into healthy or diseased ATII cells (e.g. tumor or cancer cells). The use or method may be employed in vitro, for example as a research tool to deliver nucleic acid molecules into healthy ATII cells.

The present invention relates to a composition for use in medicine comprising any of the nucleic acid delivery systems or the compositions of the present invention. The composition can be for use in the treatment of a lung disease, like lung cancer. Said lung cancer can be a lung adenocarcinoma or a lung bronchoalveolar carcinoma.

The present invention relates to a nucleic acid delivery system for the delivery of nucleic acids specifically into an alveolar type-II epithelial cell, wherein said system comprises a polypeptide binding to a specific surface marker of alveolar type-II epithelial cells. Preferably, the nucleic acid system according to the present invention is a non-viral nucleic acid delivery system. In the context of the present invention, the term “non-viral” defines the nucleic acid delivery system as not using viruses for the delivery of the nucleic acid. This does not necessary imply that no viral particles can be detected in the nucleic acid delivery system but only that they are not of functional relevance for the delivery of the nucleic acid of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject suffering from a lung disease, like lung cancer, or a subject with an increased risk of suffering from a lung disease, like lung cancer, comprising the step of administering to said subject the nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention. Preferably, said cancer is lung cancer. Even more preferably, said lung cancer is adenocarcinoma or a lung bronchoalveolar carcinoma. The subject according to the present invention is preferably a human.

The method of treating a subject suffering from cancer or a subject with an increased risk of suffering from cancer may comprise the step of contacting an alveolar type-II epithelial cell of said subject with a nucleic acid delivery system of the present invention.

The following relates to pharmaceutical compositions which may comprise the nucleic acid delivery system and compositions described and defined herein above.

The pharmaceutical composition will be formulated and dosed in a fashion consistent with good medical practice, taking into account the clinical condition of the individual patient, the site of delivery of the pharmaceutical composition, the method of administration, the scheduling of administration, and other factors known to practitioners. The “effective amount” of the nucleic acid delivery system or the pharmaceutical composition for purposes herein is thus determined by such considerations.

The skilled person knows that the effective amount of pharmaceutical composition administered to an individual will, inter alia, depend on the nature of the compound. For example, if said compound is a an nucleic acid molecule the total pharmaceutically effective amount of pharmaceutical composition administered parenterally per dose will be in the range of about 1 μg/kg/day to 100 mg/kg/day of patient body weight, although, as noted above, this will be subject to therapeutic discretion. More preferably, this dose is at least 0.01 mg/kg/day, and most preferably for humans between about 0.01 and 1 mg/kg/day. The presently recommended dose for nucleic acid molecules lies in a range of between 8 and 80 mg per/kg/day. However, this dose may be further decreased subject to therapeutic discretion, in particular if concomittantly certain lipids are applied or if the nucleic acid molecule is subject to certain chemical modifications. If given continuously, the pharmaceutical composition is typically administered at a dose rate of about 1 μg/kg/hour to about 40 μg/kg/hour, either by 1-4 injections per day or by continuous subcutaneous infusions, for example, using a mini-pump. An intravenous bag solution may also be employed. The length of treatment needed to observe changes and the interval following treatment for responses to occur appears to vary depending on the desired effect. The particular amounts may be determined by conventional tests which are well known to the person skilled in the art.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, ointments, drops or transdermal patch), bucally, or as an oral or nasal spray. Preferably the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are administered as a spray. The term “pharmaceutical composition” and “composition for use in medicine” and the like can be used interchangeably herein. It is envisaged and preferred herein that the nucleic acid delivery systems and compositions comprising same can be administered by using a spray (like an oral or nasal spry). For example, they can be administered in form of an aerosol that will be inhalated thereby ensuring ATII cell specific targeting. The aerosol contains the nucleic acid delivery provided herein.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention preferably comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. By “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is meant a non-toxic solid, semisolid or liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material or formulation auxiliary of any type. The term “parenteral” as used herein refers to modes of administration which include intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrasternal, subcutaneous and intraarticular injection and infusion.

The pharmaceutical composition is also suitably administered by sustained release systems. Suitable examples of sustained-release compositions include semi-permeable polymer matrices in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsules. Sustained-release matrices include polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919, EP 58,481), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma-ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman, U. et al., Biopolymers 22:547-556 (1983)), poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (R. Langer et al., J. Biomed. Mater. Res. 15:167-277 (1981), and R. Langer, Chem. Tech. 12:98-105 (1982)), ethylene vinyl acetate (R. Langer et al., Id.) or poly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988). Sustained release pharmaceutical composition also include liposomally entrapped compound. Liposomes containing the pharmaceutical composition are prepared by methods known per se: DE 3,218,121; Epstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 82:3688-3692 (1985); Hwang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 77:4030-4034 (1980); EP 52,322; EP 36,676; EP 88,046; EP 143,949; EP 142,641; Japanese Pat. Appl. 83-118008; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545; and EP 102,324. Ordinarily, the liposomes are of the small (about 200-800 Angstroms) unilamellar type in which the lipid content is greater than about 30 mol. percent cholesterol, the selected proportion being adjusted for the optimal therapy.

For parenteral administration, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated generally by mixing it at the desired degree of purity, in a unit dosage injectable form (solution, suspension, or emulsion), with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, i.e., one that is non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and is compatible with other ingredients of the formulation.

Generally, the formulations are prepared by contacting the components of the pharmaceutical composition uniformly and intimately with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both. Then, if necessary, the product is shaped into the desired formulation. Preferably the carrier is a parenteral carrier, more preferably a solution that is isotonic with the blood of the recipient. Examples of such carrier vehicles include water, saline, Ringer's solution, and dextrose solution. Non aqueous vehicles such as fixed oils and ethyl oleate are also useful herein, as well as liposomes. The carrier suitably contains minor amounts of additives such as substances that enhance isotonicity and chemical stability. Such materials are non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, succinate, acetic acid, and other organic acids or their salts; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less than about ten residues) (poly)peptides, e.g., polyarginine or tripeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids, such as glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, or arginine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including cellulose or its derivatives, glucose, manose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic surfactants such as polysorbates, poloxamers, or PEG.

The components of the pharmaceutical composition to be used for therapeutic administration must be sterile. Sterility is readily accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes (e.g., 0.2 micron membranes). Therapeutic components of the pharmaceutical composition generally are placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.

The components of the pharmaceutical composition ordinarily will be stored in unit or multi-dose containers, for example, sealed ampoules or vials, as an aqueous solution or as a lyophilized formulation for reconstitution. As an example of a lyophilized formulation, 10-ml vials are filled with 5 ml of sterile-filtered 1% (w/v) aqueous solution, and the resulting mixture is lyophilized. The infusion solution is prepared by reconstituting the lyophilized compound(s) using bacteriostatic Water-for-Injection.

The nucleic acid molecules may be delivered as follows: for example, the nucleic acid molecules can be injected directly into a cell, such as by microinjection. Alternatively, the molecules can be contacted with a cell, preferably aided by a delivery system as provided herein. Further useful delivery systems include, for example, liposomes and charged lipids. Liposomes typically encapsulate oligonucleotide molecules within their aqueous center. Charged lipids generally form lipid-oligonucleotide molecule complexes as a result of opposing charges. Yet, the delivery by internalization via the herein provided and defined surface markers is preferred herein.

These liposomes-oligonucleotide molecule complexes or lipid-oligonucleotide molecule complexes are usually internalized in cells by endocytosis. The liposomes or charged lipids generally comprise helper lipids which disrupt the endosomal membrane and release the oligonucleotide molecules.

Other methods for introducing nucleic acid molecules into a cell include use of delivery vehicles, such as dendrimers, biodegradable polymers, polymers of amino acids, polymers of sugars, and oligonucleotide-binding nanoparticles. In addition, pluoronic gel as a depot reservoir can be used to deliver the anti-microRNA oligonucleotide molecules over a prolonged period. The above methods are described in, for example, Hughes et al., Drug Discovery Today 6, 303-315 (2001); Liang et al. Eur. J. Biochem. 269 5753-5758 (2002); and Becker et al., In Antisense Technology in the Central Nervous System (Leslie, R. A., Hunter, A. J. & Robertson, H. A., eds), pp. 147-157, Oxford University Press.

Targeting of nucleic acid molecules to a particular cell can be performed by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, nucleic acid molecules can be conjugated to an antibody or ligand specifically recognized by receptors on the cell.

The terms “treatment”, “treating” and the like are used herein to generally mean obtaining a desired pharmacological and/or physiological effect. The effect may be prophylactic in terms of completely or partially preventing fibrosis or symptom thereof and/or may be therapeutic in terms of partially or completely curing a lung disease and/or adverse effect attributed to a lung disease. The term “treatment” as used herein covers any treatment of a disease in a subject and includes: (a) preventing a lung disease from occurring in a subject which may be predisposed to a lung disease; (b) inhibiting a lung disease, i.e. arresting its development; or (c) relieving lung disease, i.e. causing regression of a lung disease.

The nucleic acid molecule can be introduced into the mammal by any method known to those in the art. For example, the above described methods for introducing the nucleic acid molecule into a cell can also be used for introducing the molecules into a mammal.

It is envisaged herein that the above described and defined nucleic acid molecules can also be applied in combination with conventional therapies. For example, one or more additional pharmaceutical agents can be used. Non-limiting examples of additional pharmaceutical agents are diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, eplerenone, furosemide), inotropes (e.g. dobutamine, milrinone), digoxin, vasodilators, angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g. are captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, benazepril, quinapril, fosinopril, and ramipril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) (e.g. candesartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, losartan, valsartan, telmisartan, eprosartan), calcium channel blockers, isosorbide dinitrate, hydralazine, nitrates (e.g. isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate), hydralazine, beta-blockers (e.g. carvedilol, metoprolol), and natriuretic peptides (e.g. nesiritide).

An additional pharmaceutical agent may also enhance the body's immune system, and may, therefore, include low-dose cyclophosphamide, thymostimulin, vitamins and nutritional supplements (e.g., antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, zinc, selenium, glutathione, coenzyme Q-10 and echinacea), and vaccines, e.g., the immunostimulating complex (ISCOM), which comprises a vaccine formulation that combines a multimeric presentation of antigen and an adjuvant.

The additional therapy can also be selected to treat or ameliorate a side effect of one or more pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention. Such side effects include, without limitation, injection site reactions, liver function test abnormalities, renal function abnormalities, liver toxicity, renal toxicity, central nervous system abnormalities, and myopathies. For example, increased aminotransferase levels in serum may indicate liver toxicity or liver function abnormality. For example, increased bilirubin may indicate liver toxicity or liver function abnormality.

Moreover, one or more pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention and one or more other pharmaceutical agents can be administered at the same time. The one or more pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention and one or more other pharmaceutical agents can also be prepared together in a single formulation.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the items and claims provided herein. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

The invention also covers all further features shown in the figures individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the other aspect of the invention.

Furthermore, in the claims the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single unit may fulfill the functions of several features recited in the claims. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “including” or grammatical variants thereof are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Thus, the terms “comprising”/“including”/“having” mean that any further component (or likewise features, integers, steps and the like) can be present.

The term “consisting of” means that no further component (or likewise features, integers, steps and the like) can be present.

The term “consisting essentially of” or grammatical variants thereof when used herein are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof but only if the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method.

Thus, the term “consisting essentially of” means that specific further components (or likewise features, integers, steps and the like) can be present, namely those not materially affecting the essential characteristics of the composition, device or method. In other words, the term “consisting essentially of” (which can be interchangeably used herein with the term “comprising substantially”), allows the presence of other components in the composition, device or method in addition to the mandatory components (or likewise features, integers, steps and the like), provided that the essential characteristics of the device or method are not materially affected by the presence of other components.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The present invention is also illustrated by the following figures. The figures show:

FIG. 1: Lung relevant genes share similar structure.

(A) In silico analysis of the indicated genes shows an identical arrangement with two promoters (hatched boxes), surrounded by CpG islands (

), driving the expression of two distinct transcripts (exons as black boxes, shown in right panel; coding region in white). Gata6, GATA Binding Factor 6; Nkx2-1, also known as Ttf1, Thyroid transcription factor 1; Foxa2, Foxhead box protein A2; Id2, Inhibitor of DNA binding 2; Em, Embryonic; Ad, Adult; Var1, Variant 1; Var2, Variant 2. (B) The two transcript isoforms are differentially regulated during embryonic lung development and show complementary expression. Expression of both isoforms of each gene was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase (q-RT) PCR in embryonic lungs isolated at different days post coitum (dpc;11,12,13 and 14). Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=5

FIG. 2: High expression of embryonic isoforms in human lung cancer samples as well as their detection in mouse blood at early stage of tumor initiation supports the potential of the Em-isoforms as markers for early lung cancer diagnosis.

(A) Em-isoforms are predominantly expressed in human lung cancer cell lines. Isoform specific expression analysis of the indicated genes by qRT-PCR in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549, A427) and bronchoalveolar carcinoma (H322) cell lines. Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=5 (B) Em-isoforms are highly expressed in human lung cancer tissue. Isoform specific expression was monitored by qRT-PCR after total RNA isolation from human lung tumor and normal lung cryosections. Data are represented as in A. (C) Embryonic transcripts of the indicated genes were detected in blood of mice at early stage of tumor initiation. Isoform specific expression analysis of the indicated genes by qRT-PCR in blood isolated from mouse hearts. Data are represented as in A.

FIG. 3: Embryonic isoforms mediate oncogenic transformation in cell lines.

(A) MLE-12 cells transfected with Gata6 Em or Nkx2-1 Em are highly proliferative. Cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy after immunostaining with MKI67- or MYC-specific antibodies.Draq5, nuclear staining. Scale bars, 20 μm. (B) Enhanced cell migration in MLE-12 cells transfected with Gata6 Em and Nkx2-1 Em. Scratch was made in 100% confluent monolayer culture 24 hours after transfection. Cells were observed by bright field microscopy every 6 hours after making the scratch, till the scratch was filled. Scale bar, 200 μm. (C) Increased colony formation in MLE-12 cells stable transfected with Gata6 Em. Control (Ctrl) and Gata6 Em stable transfected cells were plated at a density of 500 cells per well. Cells were cultured till colonies were observed (2 weeks), fixed in 4% Paraformaldehyde, stained by Haematoxylin and colonies counted. Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=3. (D) MLE-12 cells stable transfected with Gata6 Em undergo epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Analysis of EMT by expression analysis of Snail homolog 1 (Snail), alpha smooth muscle actin (Acta2) and POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1 (Pou5f1) was monitored by qRT-PCR after total RNA isolation from MLE-12 cells stable transfected with Gata6 Em. Data are represented as in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 4: Embryonic isoforms are oncogenic

(A) Forced expression of Em-isoforms in adult lung induced hyperplasia. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining on sections of mice lungs in vivo transfected with control (Ctrl), isoform specific expression constructs (Em or Ad, Gata6 or Nkx2-1). Scale bars, 50 μm. (B) Isoform specific in vivo overexpression of Gata6 and Nkx2-1 was performed as in A. Isoform specific expression analysis by qRT-PCR was performed on total lung RNA 5 weeks after transfection. Data are represented as in FIG. 1B

FIG. 5: Gata6 Em-isoform induces adenocarcinomas in adult lung

(A) Gata6 Em GOF specifically increased expression of markers for cancer. Expression analysis of the indicated genes by qRT-PCR after in vivo transfection of adult lung with the indicated constructs. Cdkn1, Cyclin dependent kinase 1 (proliferation marker); Vegf, Vascular endothelial growth factor; Plgf, Placental growth factor (angiogenesis markers); Pdpk1, 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1 (metabolic/migration marker) and Hif2, Hypoxia inducible factor 2 (Hypoxia marker). Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=5. (B-D) Atypical hyperplasia observed in adult lungs after overexpression of Em isoforms consists of small clusters of dedifferentiated ‘stem’ cells which are epithelial and are positive for lung adenocarcinoma diagnostic markers. Sections of treated lungs were analyzed by confocal microscopy after immunostaining with POUSF1, Pan-cytokeratin (KRT), NapsinA (NAPSA) and tumor protein 63 (TRP63)-specific antibodies. DAPI, nuclear staining. Scale bars, 50 μm.

FIG. 6: Efficiency of siRNA mediated knockdown of Gata6 Em and Nkx2-1 Em

(A) Isoform specific siRNAs can be used to exclusively target the Embryonic isoform transcripts. Expression analysis of both isoforms of Gata6 and Nkx2-1 in MLE-12 cells 48 hours after transfection with indicated siRNA or shDNA plasmids. Additional siRNA/shRNA sequences tested are listed (B). Data are represented as in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 7: Targeted knock down of Gata6 Em decreases tumor metastasis

(A) Schematic representation of experiment design. Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells were injected into the mouse tail vein at a density of 1 million cells. Three days after injection, control (siCtrl) or Gata6 Em specific (siGata6) siRNA was administered orotracheally. Lungs were harvested 21 days after injection and tumor foci were monitored. (B and C) Knockdown of Gata6 Em reduces lung tumor metastasis. (B) Images of lungs treated as in A. Arrows indicate tumor nodules. Scale bars, 1 mm. (C) Haematoxylin Eosin staining of mice lungs treated as in A. Scale bars, 100 μm.

FIG. 8: Gata6 Ad is specifically expressed in lung fibrosis

(A) Schematic representation of experiment design. Mice were treated with 2.5 U/kg body weight of Bleomycin. The lungs were harvested for RNA isolation and histology 21 days after treatment. (B) Bleomycin treatment induced lung fibrosis. Masson's Trichrome staining of mouse lungs 21 days after Bleomycin treatment. Scale bar, 2 mm (upper panel) 50 μm (lower panel). (C) Gata6 Ad expression increased specifically in fibrotic lungs. Expression of both isoforms of Gata6 was monitored by qRT-PCR 21 days after Bleomycin treatment. Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=3

FIG. 9: Oncogenic Kras mutant G12D specifically induced the expression of the embryonic isoforms of Gata6 and Nkx2-1

MLE-12 cells were transfected with control (Ctrl) or KrasG12D plasmid DNA. Expression of isoform specific transcripts was monitored by qRT-PCR 48 hours after transfection. Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=3

FIG. 10: Gata6 Em expression is epigenetically regulated.

(A) Specific induction of Gata6 Em after DNA demethylation. Passive DNA demethylation was induced in MLE-12 cells by 5′Azadeoxycytidine (Aza) treatment. Isoform specific expression of Gata6 was analysed by qRT-PCR 48 hours after AZA treatment. (B) Aza treatment induces Gata6 Em promoter demethylation. MLE-12 cells were treated as in A. DNA methylation was analyzed by Methylation Sensitive (MS) PCR 48 hours after Aza treatment. (C) Active histone marks accumulated in Gata6 Em promoter after Aza treatment. MLE-12 cells were treated as in A. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed 48 hours after Aza treatment with antibodies against H3K4me2-me3, H3K9Ac, WDR5 and p300. Enrichment was monitored by qPCR after DNA purification. Data are represented as mean+/−standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=3 (A-C)

FIGS. 11A-P: Alignment of the Em and the Ad isoform of GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2

Sequence alignment of Em and Ad isoforms of GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 and ID2 was performed for both, mouse (Mus musculus) and human (Homo sapiens) sequences. Nucleotide sequences were obtained from NCBI or from its public mRNA database Aceview. Protein sequences were obtained from Uniprot or NCBI. The sequences were aligned pair-wise using Needleman-Wunsch Algorithm for global alignment (with free and gaps). The settings used for generating these alignments were: Cost Matrix: 65% similarity (5.0/−4.0); Gap open penalty: 14; Gap extension penalty: 0. All alignments were performed with Geneious (Geneious version R6 created by Biomatters. Available from www.geneious.com).

FIG. 12: Two distinct isoforms of GATA6 and NKX2-1.

(A) Schematic representation of the gene structure of human GATA6 and NKX2-1. In silico analysis of the indicated genes (upper panel) shows an identical arrangement with two promoters (grey boxes) driving the expression of two distinct transcripts (exons as black boxes; coding region in white, lower panel). GATA6, GATA Binding Factor 6; NKX2-1, also known as Ttf1, Thyroid transcription factor 1; Em, Embryonic; Ad, Adult. (B) The two transcript isoforms are differentially regulated during lung cancer and show complementary expression. Isoform specific gene expression analysis was performed for both genes by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (q-RT PCR) in healthy donor lungs (Ctrl) and lung cancer cell lines, A549, A427 (Adenocarcinoma) and H322 (Bronchoalveolar carcinoma). Rel nor exp, relative expression normalized to TUBA1A. Error bars, standard error mean (s.e.m.), n=5. (C) The two transcript isoforms encode two distinct proteins. Expression of both isoforms at the protein level was analyzed by western blot in A549 cell lines using antibodies against indicated proteins. TUBA1A, Tubulin, alpha 1a. (D) High expression of Em isoform of Gata6 and Nkx2.1 in lung cancer. Isoform specific expression analysis was performed in healthy mouse lungs (Ctrl) and lung tumors that developed in mice after tail vein injection of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cell lines (Tum1, 2), n=5 mice each and Tum1, 2 represent tumors from two different mice. Data are represented as in (B).

FIG. 13: High expression of Em isoform in human lung cancer tissues.

(A) Isoform specific expression of GATA6 and NKX2-1 was monitored by qRT-PCR after total RNA isolation from human lung tumor and normal lung formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections. The Em/Ad ratio for both genes is plotted. Samples are normalized to TUB1A1. Each point represents one sample, horizontal line in the middle represents the mean and the error bars represent the standard error mean (s.e.m). n=20 Healthy, n=39 Tumor. P values after one-way ANOVA. (B) Unadjusted Receiver-Operating-Characteristics (ROC) Curves for GATA6 and NKX2-1. Sensitivity and 1 minus specificity (ROC curves) are shown for different values for Em/Ad ratio of GATA6 and NKX2-1. (C and D) High Em/Ad ratio is conserved among ethnic groups (C) and gender (D). CHB, Han Chinese in Beijing; CEU, Utah residents with ancestry from northern and western Europe; MXL, Mexican ancestry in Los Angeles. n=10 Healthy, 28 Tumor (CHB); n=7 Healthy, 3 Tumor (CEU); n=3 Healthy, 14 Tumor (MXL); n=5 Healthy, 15 Tumor (Male) and n=2 Healthy and 16 Tumor (Female); Data are represented as in (A). The filled triangles in (C) (MXL) represent NSCLC tumor samples. The empty triangle in (C) (MXL) represents a small cell lung cancer sample. (E) Expression of Em isoform correlates with tumor grade. Ratio of Em/Ad isoform was monitored in lung cancer biopsies of Grade I, II and III. n=10 Healthy, n=12 GradeI, n=14 GradeII and 2 Grade III. Samples were staged according to the TNM Classification recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Data are represented as in (A).

FIG. 14: Noninvasive lung cancer diagnosis using Exhaled breath condensate (EBC).

(A) Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a promising source of biomarkers for lung diseases. Water vapour is rapidly diffused from the airway lining fluid (both bronchial and alveolar) into the expiratory flow. Droplet formation (nonvolatile biomarkers) takes place in the airway lining fluid, while respiratory gases (volatile biomarkers) are from both the airspaces and the airways. Adapted from Effros et al. (2012) Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 185(8): 803-804) (B) RTube is more suitable for RNA isolation as compared to TurboDECCS. Two main EBC collection devices were compared for the total RNA yield (y-axis, ng) obtained using the QIAGEN RNeasy Micro column using 500 μl EBC as starting material. Data are represented as mean±s.e.m, n=6. (C) 500 μl of EBC is optimal for RNA isolation. Total RNA isolation with the RNeasy Micro kit was compared using 200, 350, 500 and 1000 μl starting EBC volume. Data are represented as in (B), n=3.

FIG. 15: EBC based lung cancer diagnosis correlates with classical methods.

Representative pictures of (A) chest X-ray and (B) low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) scans for patients with lung cancer. (C) Immunohistochemistry analysis for adjacent normal (upper panel) and tumor (lower panel) from a lung cancer patient sample with the indicated antibodies. PAN-KRT, Pan Cytokeratin; NKX2-1, also known as TTF1, Thyroid transcription factor 1; DAPI, nucleus. Scale bar, 10 μm. (D) Expression analysis of known tumor suppressor and oncogenes in EBCs of healthy donors and tumor patients. CDKNA2, also known as P16, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A; TP53, tumor protein p53; MYC, v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog. Data are represented as in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16: Specific PCR amplification of both isoforms of GATA6. (A) Amplification efficiency for each primer pair was calculated using serial dilutions of the cDNA template. Primer efficiency was assessed by plotting the cycle threshold values (Ct, y-axis) against the logarithm (base 10) of the fold dilution (log (Quantity), x-axis). Primer efficiency was calculated using the slope of the linear function. Data points represent mean Ct values of triplicates. (B) Dissociation curve analysis of the PCR products was performed by constantly monitoring the fluorescence with increasing temperatures from 60° C. to 95° C. Melt curves were generated by plotting the negative first derivative of the fluorescence (−d/dT (Fluorescence) 520 nm) versus temperature (degree Celsius, ° C.). (C) Specific PCR amplification was also demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. PCR products after quantitative RT-PCR were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. +, specific PCR reaction using EBC template; −, no RT control; M, 100 bp DNA ladder. (D) Sequencing of the PCR products of GATA6 Em and Ad demonstrates specific PCR amplification of both isoforms using EBC as template. Five clones for each primer pair (GATA6 Em and Ad) were sequenced and aligned to the reference sequence (top row, yellow highlighted). Sequence similarities are represented as dots.

FIG. 17: Specific PCR amplification of both isoforms of NKX2-1.

(A) Amplification efficiency for each primer pair was calculated using serial dilutions of the cDNA template. Primer efficiency was assessed by plotting the cycle threshold values (Ct, y-axis) against the logarithm (base 10) of the fold dilution (log (Quantity), x-axis). Primer efficiency was calculated using the slope of the linear function. Data points represent mean Ct values of triplicates. (B) Dissociation curve analysis of the PCR products was performed by constantly monitoring the fluorescence with increasing temperatures from 60° C. to 95° C. Melt curves were generated by plotting the negative first derivative of the fluorescence (−d/d T (Fluorescence) 520 nm) versus temperature (degree Celsius, ° C.). (C) Specific PCR amplification was also demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis. PCR products after quantitative RT-PCR were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. +, specific PCR reaction using EBC template; −, no RT control; M, 100 bp DNA ladder. (D) Sequencing of the PCR products of NKX2-1 Em and Ad demonstrates specific PCR amplification of both isoforms using EBC as template. Five clones for each primer pair (NKX2-1 Em and Ad) were sequenced and aligned to the reference sequence (top row, yellow highlighted). Sequence similarities are represented as dots.

FIG. 18—Loss-of-function (LOF) of embryonic Gata6 counteracts lung tumor formation.

(A) SiRNA mediated Gata6 depletion is isoform-specific and efficient. MLE-12 cells were transiently transfected with control siRNA (Ctrl) or siRNA specific against Gata6 embryonic (Em) or adult (Ad) isoforms. Isoform specific Gata6 expression analysis was performed by qRT-PCR. Rel nor exp Gata6, relative expression of Gata6 normalized to Tuba1a, n=3, Asterix, P values after one-way ANOVA, *** P<0.001; ** P<0.01; * P<0.05. (B) Gata6 Em specific LOF results in reduced migration of MLE-12 cells. MLE-12 cells were transfected as in A. Transfected cells were grown till a confluent monolayer was formed and a scratch (dashed lines) was made in the center (0 hr). The closure of the scratch or wound healing by the growth of a confluent monolayer of cells was monitored 24 hr later. siCtrl, control siRNA; siGata6 Em and siGata6 Ad, embryonic and adult isoform specific siRNAs. (C) Orotracheal administration of siRNA results in Gata6 Em specific loss of function in adult mouse lung. Lungs of mice that were orotrachealy administered with siCtrl and siGata6 Em were harvested for total lung RNA isolation. Isoform specific expression analysis was performed by qRT-PCR. Data are represented as in A. (D) Macroscopic tumor analysis revealed significant reduction of tumor formation in mice treated with siGata6 Em. Lungs were isolated from mice injected with LLC1 cells and treated with siCtrl or siGata6 as in C. Macroscopic surface tumors (Surface tum, arrows) were counted and percentage tumor reduction was analyzed. Scale bar, 1 mm; n=5; P values as in A.

FIG. 19. Schematic representation of the lung structure.

The lung consists of different structural regions organized along a proximal-distal axis. Each of these regions is characterized by specialized cell types of epithelial or mesenchymal origin (listed in the square). Different tissue-resident lung-endogenous progenitor cells (underlined in the list) are located in specific regions along the proximal-distal axis of the airways. They are responsible for homeostatic turnover and repair after injury. Alveolar type II (ATII) cells represent one of these regional progenitor cell populations and are located in the alveoli. Sm. Mus., smooth muscle cells; Clarav, variant Clara cells; PNEC, pulmonary neuroendocrine cells; BASC, bronchioalveolar stem cells; AT I, alveolar type I cells.

FIG. 20.

(A) Schematic representation of experimental procedure. Spike-in based relative quantification of ATII versus MLE-12 cells using (13)C6-lysine labeled lung (Lys-6 labeled, heavy labeled lung) as standard. (B) Quality analysis of membrane protein isolation. Distribution of Gene Ontology cellular component (GOCC) terms based analysis of identified proteins after mass spectrometric measurement. (C) Calculation of direct abundance ratio between MLE-12 and ATII cells (MLE-12/ATII). (D) (Top) Histogram of spike-in SILAC-ratios (log 2) between heavy labeled lung and ATII (right) or MLE-12 (left) cells. (Bottom) Histogram of direct ratio between MLE-12 versus ATII cells (MLE-12/ATII, log 2, left) and the direct ratio plotted against intensity (log 10, right).

FIG. 21.

(A) Table of selected proteins enriched in ATII cells. (B) MS spectra of ITGB2 specific SILAC-pairs derived from ATII or MLE-12 cells mixed with labeled heavy lung. H, heavy, L, light; N., number; n.d., not determined; m/z, xyz

FIG. 22. Identification of potential ATII cell specific membrane proteins.

(A) Scatter plot between membrane protein abundance ratio (MLE-12/ATII) and gene expression ratio (MLE-12/ATII). Proteins enriched in the membrane of ATII cells are indicated in the marked section and listed in the table (B). Prot Abud, protein abundance; Gene Exp, gene expression.

FIG. 23. Integrin beta 2 and 6 are membrane proteins of a sub-population of alveolar type II cells.

(A) Itgb2 and Itgb6 are specifically expressed in ATII cells. Expression of the indicated genes was analyzed in different cell lines and in adult lung by qRT-PCR. Gene expression was normalized after Gapdh. Data are represented as mean±s.e.m. (n=6). (B) ITGB2 and ITGB6 are ATII cells specific proteins. Protein extracts of different cell lines, adult lung and spleen were analyzed by western blot using antibodies specific for the indicated proteins. CD14 and CD45 were used as controls for blood cells specific antigens. LMNB1, Lamin B1, loading control. (C) A sub-population of alveolar type II cells is positive for ITGB2 or ITGB6. Cell suspensions of adult lung were analyzed by flow cytometry after single (top and middle) or double (bottom) immunostaining using SFTPC- and either ITGB2- or ITGB6-specific antibodies. The numbers indicate the percentage of positive stained cells in the relevant quadrants. (D) SFTPC and ITGB2 or ITGB6 co-localized in alveolar type II cells. Confocal microscopy of isolated alveolar type II cells (left) and adult lung sections (middle and right) after double immunostaining using SFTPC- and either ITGB2- or ITGB6-specific antibodies. Nuclear staining with Draq5. Squares show regions presented at higher magnification on the right. Scale bars, 20 μm.

FIG. 24. Integrin beta 2 antagonizes WNT signaling pathway.

(A) WNT signaling pathway related proteins are enriched in the membrane of ATII cells. Schematic representation of Gene Ontology biological process (GOBP) terms based analysis of identified proteins after mass spectrometric measurement using the GORILLA online-tool (Eden, BMC Bioinformatics, 2009). The color represents the frequency of ATII enriched membrane proteins involved in the indicated biological processes (red, high; orange, middle; white, low). (B) Itgb2 knockout (Itgb2−/−) increased activated-beta-catenin immunostaining (ABC) in adult lung. Sections of adult lung of wild type (WT) and Itgb2−/− mice were analyzed by confocal microscopy after immunostaining using ABC specific antibodies. Nuclear staining with Draq5. Scale bars, 20 μm. (C) Quantification of ABC positive cells in adult lung of WT and Itgb2−/− mice after immunostaining as in B. Axis of ordinates show percentage of ABC positive cells relative to total counted cells. Data are represented as mean±s.e.m. (n=3). Asterisks, P values after one-way ANOVA, *** P<0.001; ** P<0.01; * P<0.05 (D) Itgb2 knockout enhanced expression of canonical WNT pathway markers. Expression analysis of the indicated genes by qRT-PCR in adult lung of WT and Itgb2−/− mice. Data are represented as mean±s.e.m. (n=3). Asterisks as in C. (E) Itgb2 knockout increased in adult lung the level of proteins encoded by genes that are targets of WNT signaling. Lung protein extracts from WT or Itgb2−/− mice were analyzed by western blot using antibodies specific for the indicated proteins. (F) Itgb2 gain-of-function antagonized the positive effect of lithium chloride (LiCl) on expression of canonical Wnt targets. Expression analysis of the indicated genes by qRT-PCR in MLE-12 cells that were untreated (UTr) or treated (Tr) with LiCl and transfected with either control (−) or mouse Itgb2 expression plasmid as indicated. Data are represented as mean±s.e.m. (n=3). Asterisks as in C.

FIG. 25:

(A) Schematic representation of experiment design. Sftpc-rtTA/TetOP-Cre//TK-LoxP-LacZ-LoxP-GFP triple transgenic mice were treated with Control (Ctrl) or Gata6 Em expression vectors as in FIG. 10. 3 days after the first treatment, doxycycline was administered via water. After 7 weeks, lungs were isolated and single cell homogenate was made and following negative selection for blood cells using CD16, CD45/32 antibodies, a pupe population of lung epithelial cells was obtained. These cells were cultured in low attachment dishes in serum free conditions, supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heparin. (B) Diagrammatic representation of the transgenic mice. Surfactant protein C (SftpC) promoter drives the expression of rtTA which in the presence of doxyclycine binds to the Tet operator (Tet OP) and activates downstream expression of Cre recombinase (Cre). Cre recombinase is essential for homologous recombination at the LoxP sites, resulting in the deletion of the LacZ gene, and the expression of EGFP in SftpC expressing cells.

FIG. 26: Gata6 Em Induced hyperplasia originates from SFTPC positive cells.

Isolated primary cultures of Gata6 Em treated lungs form clusters of cells within 10 days of culture as compared to Ctrl treated lungs (Left panel). These clusters of cells express EGFP. Following subsequent dissociation and replating, these clusters were able to maintain in culture for 4 passages and continuosly expressed EGFP (Right panel). Scale 200 μm.

A number of documents including patent applications, manufacturer's manuals and scientific publications are cited herein. The disclosure of these documents, while not considered relevant for the patentability of this invention, is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety. More specifically, all referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The present invention is additionally described by way of the following illustrative non-limiting examples that provide a better understanding of the present invention and of its many advantages. The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which follow represent techniques used in the present invention to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1: MATERIALS AND METHODS In Silico Analysis of Gene Structure

Genomic sequences for lung relevant genes (Gata6, Nkx2-1, Foxa2 and Id2) were obtained from the NCBI Gene database. Sequences analysed for promoter identification and CpG island analysis included up to 5 kb upstream of the transcription start site. Promoters were predicted using WWW Promoter Scan online tool using the PROSCAN Version 1.7 Suite of programs (see Prestridge (1995) Journal of Molecular Biology 249: 923-932). Promoters chosen for further analysis had a score greater than 60 based on transcription factor binding sites and RNA Pol II eukaryotic promoter sequences. The EMBL online tool, CpG Plot (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/Tools/emboss/cpgplot/) was used to identify CpG islands surrounding the identified or known promoter sequences. The CpG islands were identified as regions containing more than 50% CG content over a minimum region of 200 bp. Promoter predictions were then compared to mRNA sequences for these genes obtained from Aceview (Thierry-Mieg (2006) Genome Biology 7 (Suppl 1):s12) which provides a comprehensive and non-redundant sequence representation of all human and mouse mRNA sequences (mRNAs from GenBank or RefSeq, and single pass cDNA sequences from dbEST and Trace). Isoforms that were identified based on mRNA sequences corresponding to predicted promoters with CpG islands at their 5′ end were taken for further analysis.

TABLE 1 Accession Numbers Gene Mouse Human Gata6, NC_000084.6 NC_000018.9 GATA6 (11052510. . .11085635) (19749404. . .19782491) Nkx2-1, NC_000078.6 NC_000014.8 NKX2-1 (56531935. . .56536908, (36985602. . .36989430, complement) complement) Foxa2, NC_000068.7 NC_000020.10 FOXA2 (148042878. . .148046969, (22561642. . .22566101, complement) complement) Id2, ID2 NC_000078.6 NC_000002.11 (25093799. . .25096092, (8822113. . .8824583) complement)

DNA Constructs

Expression plasmid for Gata6 Em was purchased from Origene (MR222974) in vector pCMV6-Entry containing a Myc and DDK tag. The Gata6 Ad was PCR amplified using the embryonic isoform as template and sub cloned into pcDNA3.1 Myc His B (Invitrogen). The Nkx2-1 Em was purchased from Addgene (Plasmid 15540) and subcloned into pCS2-Myc. The Nkx2-1 Ad was PCR amplified and cloned into pcDNA3.1 Myc His A (Invitrogen).

Cell Culture

Cell lines used in this study were A549 (CCL-185), A427 (HTB-53), H322 and MLE-12 (CRL-2110). Cell lines were cultured in medium and conditions recommended by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Cells were used for the preparation of RNA (QIAGEN RNeasy plus mini kit).

MLE-12 cells were transfected using Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen) with the expression vectors for Gata6 Em and Nkx2-1 Em in a ratio of 1:2 DNA:Lipofectamine. The cells were washed and the medium was changed on the following day. For the generation of stable transfected cells, 48 hours after transfection, the cells were plated at clonal density and selection medium supplemented with 1 mg/ml G418 (Sigma) was added. Cells were maintained in selection medium for subsequent passages.

In Vitro Scratch Assay

The in vitro scratch assay was performed as previously described (Liang C C et al., (2007) Nat Protoc. 2007; 2(2): 329-33). Briefly, MLE-12 cells were transfected with Gata6 Em, Nkx2-1 Em and Control plasmids as above. The cells were grown at 37° C. till they reached 100% confluence to form a monolayer. A p200 pipet tip was used to create a scratch of the cell monolayer. The plate was then washed to remove the floating cells and the medium was replaced. The cells were then observed after every 6 hours to check migration.

Colony Formation Assay

For the clonogenecity assay, control and Gata6 Em stable transfected cells were trypsinized with 0.005% trypsin and counted. Cells were plated at a density of 500 and 1000 cells/well of a 12 well plate in medium supplemented with 1 mg/ml G418 (Sigma-Aldrich). The total number of colonies was counted after 2 weeks following Haematoxylin staining.

RNA Isolation and Expression Analysis

Timed pregnant (C57B16 WT) mice were sacrificed on post coitum days 11.5, 12.5, 13.5 and 14.5. Lungs were dissected from these embryos, as previously described. Total RNA was isolated from 5 lungs for each stage using the RNeasy plus mini kit (Qiagen). Human lung tumor tissues were obtained as cryoblocks. Six sections of 10 μm were used for total RNA isolation with the RNeasy plus micro kit (Qiagen). The High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription kit (Applied Biosystem) was used for cDNA synthesis according to manufacturer's instructions. The PCR results were normalized with respect to the housekeeping gene Gapdh. Quantitative real time PCR reactions were performed using SYBR® Green on the Step One plus Real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystem).

TABLE 2 Primer Sequences Primers for Human Primers for Mouse Primers for Human (5′→3′) (For RNA from Gene (5′→3′) (5′→3′) tissue sections) HPRT Fwd TGACCTTGATTTATTTTG TTTGCTTTCCTTGGTCAG CATACC (SEQ ID NO. 61) GCAGT (SEQ ID NO. 62) HPRT Rev CGAGCAAGACGTTCAGTC CGTGGGGTCCTTTTCACC CT(SEQ ID NO. 63) AGCA (SEQ ID NO. 64) Gapdh Fwd TGAGTATGTCGTGGAGT GCAAATTCCATGGCACCG GGCCCGATTTCTCCTCCG CTAC (SEQ ID NO. 65) T (SEQ ID NO. 66) GGT (SEQ ID NO. 67) Gapdh Rev TGGACTGTGGTCATGAG TCGCCCCACTTGATTTTGG GGTGACCAGGCGCCCAAT CC (SEQ ID NO. 68) (SEQ ID NO. 69) ACG (SEQ ID NO. 70) Gata6-Em GCTAGCGCTGTTTGTTT SEQ ID NO 9: SEQ ID NO 10: Fwd AGGGCTCG (SEQ ID NO. CTCGGCTTCTCTCCGCGCC TTGACTGACGGCGGCTGG 71) TG TG Gata6-Em GCCCCGAAACGCTTCGG SEQ ID NO 11: SEQ ID NO 12: Rev CAG (SEQ ID NO. 72) AGCTGAGGCGTCCCGCAG CTCCCGCGCTGGAAAGGC TTG TC Gata6-Ad TTTGGGGTGGCCTCGGC SEQ ID NO 13: SEQ ID NO 14: Fwd TCT (SEQ ID NO. 73) GCGGTTTCGTTTTCGGGG AGGACCCAGACTGCTGCC AC CC Gata6-Ad CCAGGCCAACCGCACAC SEQ ID NO 15: SEQ ID NO 16: Rev CTT (SEQ ID NO. 74) AAGGGATGCGAAGCGTAG CTGACCAGCCCGAACGCG GA AG Nkx2-1-Em GCGGCCATGCAGCAGCA SEQ ID NO 17: SEQ ID NO 18: Fwd C (SEQ ID NO. 75) AAACCTGGCGCCGGGCTA CAGCGAGGCTTCGCCTTC AA CC Nkx2-1-Em CCATGTTCTTGCTCACG SEQ ID NO 19: SEQ ID NO 20: Rev TCC (SEQ ID NO. 76) GGAGAGGGGGAAGGCGAA TCGACATGATTCGGCGGC GCC GG Nkx2-1-Ad ACTCTTTTGGTGGTGAC SEQ ID NO 21: SEQ ID NO 21: Fwd TGGG (SEQ ID NO. 77) AGCGAAGCCCGATGTGGT TCCGGAGGCAGTGGGAAG CC GC Nk2-1-Ad CTCATGTTGCCCAGGTT SEQ ID NO 22: SEQ ID NO 23: Rev GCC (SEQ ID NO. 78) CCGCCCTCCATGCCCACTT GACATGATTCGGCGGCGG TC CT Foxa2-Var1 ACCGCCATGCACTCGGC SEQ ID NO 24: SEQ ID NO 25: Fwd TTC (SEQ ID NO. 79) TGCCATGCACTCGGCTTCC CAGGGAGAGGGAGGGCG AG AGA Foxa2-Var1 GGCTCATTCCAGCGCCC SEQ ID NO 26: SEQ ID NO 27: Rev ACA (SEQ ID NO. 80) TCATGTTGCCCGAGCCGCT CCCCCACCCCCACCCTCT G TT Foxa2-Var2 GGCACTGCGCTTCACTC SEQ ID NO 28: SEQ ID NO 29: Fwd CCC (SEQ ID NO. 81) CTGCTAGAGGGGCTGCTT CGCTTCTCCCGAGGCCGT GCG TC Foxa2-Var2 GGCTCATTCCAGCGCCC SEQ ID NO 30: SEQ ID NO 31: Rev ACA (SEQ ID NO. 82) ACGGCTCGTGCCCTTCCAT TAACTCGCCCGCTGCTGC C TC Id2-Var1 CTGAACCGAGCCTGGTG SEQ ID NO 32: SEQ ID NO 33: Fwd CCG (SEQ ID NO. 83) AACCCCTGTGGACGACCCG TGCGGATAAAAGCCGCCC A CG Id2-Var1 GCTCCGGGAGATGCCCA SEQ ID NO 34 SEQ ID NO 35: Rev AGC (SEQ ID NO. 84) GCCCGGGTCTCTGGTGAT AGCTAGCTGCGCTTGGCA GC CC Id2-Var2 GGGTGCTGAAAGATTCC SEQ ID NO 36: SEQ ID NO 37: Fwd AAACCTCG (SEQ ID NO. CTGCGGTGCTGAACTCGCC CCCCCTGCGGTGCTGAAC 85) C TC Id2-Var 2 TGTGCCCTTCAGTGTAG SEQ ID NO 38: SEQ ID NO 39: Rev GTGGCA (SEQ ID NO. GACGAGCGGGCGCTTCCA TAACTCGCCCGCTGCTGC 86) TT TC Snai1 Fwd CCGAAGCCACACGCTGC CTT (SEQ ID NO. 87) Snai1 Rev AGCACGGTTGCAGTGGG AGC (SEQ ID NO. 88) Acta2 Fwd GCTGGTGATGATGCTC CCA (SEQ ID NO. 89) Acta2 Rev GCCCATTCCAACCATT ACTCC (SEQ ID NO. 90) Pou5f1 Fwd TGTGGACCTCAGGTTGG ACT (SEQ ID NO. 91) Pou5f1 Rev CTTCTGCAGGGCTTTCA TGTC (SEQ ID NO. 92)

Animal Experiments

Five to 6 weeks old C57BL6 mice were used throughout this study. Animals were housed under controlled temperature and lighting [12/12-hour light/dark cycle], fed with commercial animal feed and water ad libitum. All experiments were performed according to the institutional guidelines that comply with national and international regulations. The mice were administered orotracheally control (pBLSK, Ctrl) or plasmids specific to isoforms (Em, Embryonic or Ad, Adult) of Gata6 and Nkx2-1 prepared in PEI transfection reagent (Sigma-Aldrich, 408727) at 50 μg/kg body weight of the mouse, three times (Day 0, 3, 7). Lungs were harvested at 5, 7 and 12 weeks after administration of plasmid, for RNA (QIAGEN Rneasy Mini Kit) and protein isolation and histology. For histology, the lungs were fixed overnight in 1% Paraformaldehyde (PFA) followed by overnight incubation in PBS. The lungs were dehydrated over a graded series of alcohol changes and embedded in paraffin. In addition, blood was isolated from the mice by cardiac puncture and processed immediately for RNA isolation (QIAGEN Rneasy Mini Kit). A minimum of 200 μl of blood was taken for RNA isolation.

Histology and Haematoxylin Staining

Paraffin embedded lung tissues were analysed by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining. 4 μm sections were prepared and standard staining protocols were followed.

For colony formation assay, cells were fixed in 4% Paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 20 minutes followed by three washes with Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 5 minutes. The cells were then incubated in haemaxylin for 20 minutes, followed by two washes in PBS for 5 minutes.

Immunochemistry

For paraffin embedded mouse lung tissue, sections of 4 μm were prepared on a microtome (Leica Germany). Antigen retrieval was performed by boiling in 10 mM Citrate Buffer followed by incubation at sub boiling temperatures for 10 minutes. Antibody staining was performed following standard procedures. All incubations and washes were done with 1×TBS/0.1% Tween-20 (1×TBST). Non-specific binding was blocked by incubating in 5% donkey serum in TBST for 60 minutes. The sections were then incubated with primary and secondary antibodies for 60 min followed by nuclear staining. Antibodies were specific to Pan-cytokeratin (Dako, Code Z0622, 1:200 dilution), Napsin A (Abcam, ab9868; 1:100 dilution) and TRP63 (Cell Signaling Techn., 4984; 1:150 dilution). For cell lines, MLE-12 cells were cultured on coverslips and transfected with Control, Gata6 Em and Nkx2-1 Em plasmids. Cells were fixed 48 hours after transfection with 1% PFA for 20 minutes and washed 3 times, for 5 minutes, with 1×PBS. Antibody staining was performed as above. Antibodies were specific to MKI67 (Abcam, ab15580; 1:200 dilution) and MYC (Abcam, ab9132, 1:500 dilution)

EXAMPLE 2: IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 AND ID2

In silico analysis of lung important genes revealed a common structure of Gata6, Nkx2-1, Foxa2 and Id2 (FIG. 1A, left). Promoter analysis showed the presence of two promoters, one 5′ of the first exon and the other in the first intron. Further analysis showed that each of the predicted promoters was surrounded by CpG islands (greater than 200 bp, with more than 50% CG), suggesting that these in fact are functional promoters and that they might be epigenetically regulated. Expression analysis showed that each gene gave rise to two distinct transcripts driven by different promoters. (FIG. 1A, right). In silico analysis of the same genes in humans demonstrated a similar structure as in mice, which clearly highlights that the identified gene structure was maintained during evolution and is conserved among species, reflecting its relevance. Isoform specific expression analysis was carried out during the pseudoglandular stage of mouse lung development (E11-14, FIG. 1B). Expression of both isoforms of the same gene was complementary with one isoform mainly expressed at early stages (E11, 12) while the other at later stages (E13, 14). In the adult lung mainly the transcript that is expressed at late stages of embryonic development can be detected (data not show). Our data suggest that the expression of both transcripts is developmentally regulated with an Em-isoform expressed at early stages of embryonic lung development and an Ad-isoform expressed at late stages of embryonic lung development and in the adult lung.

EXAMPLE 3: EXPRESSION OF SPECIFIC GATA6, NKX2-1, FOXA2 AND ID2 ISOFORMS IN CANCER CELL LINES, BIOPSY SAMPLES AND BLOOD

Isoform specific expression analysis was carried out in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549, A427) and human bronchoalveolar carcinoma (H322) cell lines (FIG. 2A). The expression of the Em-isoform of each one of the genes analyzed was higher in all three cell lines tested, suggesting that the Em-isoforms are relevant during lung cancer formation. To confirm this hypothesis, human lung biopsies from healthy donors and lung tumor patients were analyzed (FIG. 2B). Consistent with the expression analysis in cell culture, the embryonic transcript of each one of the genes analyzed was enriched in the biopsies of lung tumor when compared to the healthy tissue. To confirm the diagnostic potential of the Em-isoforms of the genes analyzed here, it was attempted to detect these isoforms in the blood of genetic mouse models of lung cancer at early stage of cancer formation as well as in blood of lung cancer patients. Preliminary results after hyperplasia induced by in vivo gain-of-function (GOF; see example 6, FIG. 4) showed that transcripts of Gata6 Em and Nkx2-1 Em can be detected in the blood of mice after forced expression of Gata6 Em (FIG. 2C, middle) whereas only Gata6 Em transcript can be detected in the blood of mice after forced expression of Nkx2-1 Em (right).

EXAMPLE 4: ANALYSIS OF THE ONCOGENIC POTENTIAL OF GATA6 EM OR NKX2-1 EM (I)

To analyze the potential role of the Em-isoforms in oncogenic transformation, the primary characteristics of cancer cells, enhanced proliferation and migration, were analyzed after transient transfection of Gata6 Em or Nkx2-1 Em in Mouse Lung Epithelial-12 (MLE) cells. Immunostaining of transient transfected MLE-12 cells using antibodies specific for cell proliferation markers MKI67 and MYC (FIG. 3A) showed enhanced cell proliferation after transfection of Gata6 Em or Nkx2-1 Em when compared to the control transfected cells (Ctrl). In addition, migration was assessed by standard in vitro scratch assay (FIG. 3B). The Em-isoforms transfected MLE-12 cells were able to close the scratch faster (after 24 h) than control transfected cells (Ctrl; 48 h) demonstrating enhanced cell migration. To assess clonogenicity, other characteristic of cancer cells, control (Ctrl) and Gata6 Em stable transfected MLE-12 cells were plated at clonal density and colonies were counted after 2 weeks (FIG. 3C). The ability to form colonies increased more than four times in cells expressing Gata6 Em when compared to control transfected cells, clearly supporting the oncogenic potential of this Em-isoform.

EXAMPLE 5: ANALYSIS OF THE OF THE ROLE OF GATA6 EM IN METASTASIS

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process characterized by loss of cell adhesion and increased cell motility. EMT is essential for numerous developmental processes including mesoderm formation and neural tube formation. However, initiation of metastasis involves invasion, which has many phenotypic similarities to EMT, including a loss of cell-cell adhesion and an increase in cell mobility. Recent evidence suggests that EMT results in formation of cells with stem cell like properties (see Mani (2008) Cell 133(4): 704-715). Such cells are proposed to persist in tumors as a distinct population and cause relapse and metastasis by giving rise to new tumors. In control (Ctrl) and Gata6 Em stable transfected MLE-12 cells, EMT was monitored by expression analysis of Snail homolog 1 (Snail) and alpha smooth muscle actin (Acta2) (FIG. 3D, top), whereas ‘sternness’ was monitored by expression analysis of the stem cell marker POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1 (Pou5f1, also known as Oct4; FIG. 3D, bottom). Gata6 Em increased the expression of all three markers indicating EMT and a potential role of this Em-isoform in metastasis.

EXAMPLE 6: ANALYSIS OF THE ONCOGENIC POTENTIAL OF GATA6 EM OR NKX2-1 EM (II)

To confirm the oncogenic potential of the Em-isoforms, isoform specific in vivo GOF was carried out in wild type C57/B16 mice (FIG. 4). The mice were induced by orotracheal administration of a transfection mix containing Polyethylenimine (PEI, transfection reagent) and either a control plasmid (Ctrl) or plasmids for specific expression of each isoform (embryonic, Em or adult, Ad) of Nkx2-1 or Gata6. Isoform specific GOF was monitored by qRT-PCR (FIG. 4B). As early as 5 weeks after transfection, histological analysis of the lungs by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining revealed atypical hyperplasia exclusively in Em-isoform treated lungs while the Ad-isoform treated lungs were apparently normal, demonstrating the oncogenic potential of the Gata6 Em and Nkx2-1 Em (FIG. 4A).

To further characterize the phenotype induced after forced expression of the Em-isoforms in the adult lung, the expression of markers for all four hallmarks of cancer was analyzed: proliferation, angiogenesis, migration and hypoxic growth (FIG. 5A). Forced expression of Gata6 Em isoform in adult lung led to increased expression of Cdkn1 (Cyclin dependent kinase, proliferation marker); Vegf (Vascular endothelial growth factor) and Plgf (Placental growth factor, angiogenesis markers); Pdpk1 (3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1, migration/metabolic marker) and Hif2 (Hypoxia inducible factor 2, hypoxic marker), supporting the oncogenic potential of the Em-isoform in this in vivo model. To assess the formation of cancer stem cells in vivo, immunostaining using POUSF1 specific antibody on sections of Gata6 Em treated lungs was performed (FIG. 5B). Small clusters of POUSF1 positive cells were observed within regions of the lung with atypical hyperplasia after Gata6 Em in vivo GOF supporting the formation of high tumorigenic dedifferentiated cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry using Pan-cytokeratin (KRT) specific antibody on sections of Gata6 Em treated lungs (FIG. 5C) showed the presence of cytokeratin filaments, which are markers for both major classes of epithelial lung tumors, i.e. squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Clinical diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma includes positive staining for NKX2-1 and Napsin A (NAPSA) (Bishop I A et al., (2010) Hum Pathol. 41(1): 20-5) as well as cytoplasmatic staining for tumor protein 63 (TRP63) (see Kalhor (2006) Modern Pathology 19: 1117-1123). Immunohistochemistry on sections of Gata6 Em treated lungs (FIG. 5D) demonstrated strong staining for NAPSA as well as for cytoplasmic TRP63 in the regions of hyperplasia, indicating that these regions correlate well with adenocarcinomas of the lung.

Enhanced colony formation and Pou5f1 expression in cell lines transfected with Gata6 Em as well as clusters of POUSF1 positive cells within tumors resulting from forced overexpression of Gata6 Em in the adult lung show the formation of cancer stem cells. Targeting these cancer stem cells by cell-specific knockdown of the embryonic/cancer specific isoform of the genes analyzed here provides a therapeutic strategy to prevent frequent tumor relapse.

EXAMPLE 7: ANALYSIS OF THE ONCOGENIC POTENTIAL OF GATA6 EM OR NKX2-1 EM (III)

To exploit the use of the Em isoform in cancer therapeutics, isoform specific knockdown was carried out (FIG. 6A). MLE-12 cells were transfected with different siRNAs against Gata6 Em or Ad (top) or shDNA plasmids against Nkx2-1 Em or Ad (bottom). The best siRNAs or shDNAs by showing the maximum knockdown with the least off target effects were selected (FIG. 6B) for further use in vivo.

In order to demonstrate the therapeutic property of blocking the embryonic isoform, isoform specific knockdown was carried out in a highly aggressive tumor metastasis model. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells were injected into the mouse tail vein. These cells would seed into the lung and form local tumors within 10-21 days. Three days after injection, the mice were treated with either a control (siCtrl) or Gata6 Em specific siRNAs (siGata6 Em) by orotracheal administration. The lungs were examined for both number and size tumor foci 21 days after injection (FIG. 7B-C). It was observed that after treatment with siGata6 Em tumor formation was dramatically reduced as compared to the siCtrl treatment. These results supported the therapeutic potential of targeting the Em isoform in lung cancer.

EXAMPLE 8: MATERIAL AND METHODS OF IN VIVO LUNG FIBROSIS MODEL

Adult C57BL/6N mice (Charles River Laboratories) were used throughout this study. Animals were housed under controlled temperature and lighting [12/12-hour light/dark cycle], fed with commercial animal feed and water ad libitum. All experiments were performed according to the institutional guidelines that comply with national and international regulations. Bleomycin sulphate (2.5 U/Kg; Hexal AG, Germany) or sterile saline was administered as orotracheal instillation method as described earlier.

At day 21 after bleomycin instillation, mice were anaesthetised with 30-60 mg/kg ketamine (Pfizer, Germany) and 5-10 mg/kg, xylazine (Bayer, Germany). In anaesthetised mice, the thorax was opened and lung was then perfused with 1×PBS. The lung was either frozen for mRNA isolation or perfusion-fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 15 min with a pressure of 20 cm H2O for immunohistology

EXAMPLE 9: GATA6 AD EXPRESSION INCREASES DRAMATICALLY AFTER LUNG FIBROSIS INDUCTION BY BLEOMYCIN TREATMENT

Interestingly it was found in an in vivo model of lung fibrosis (FIG. 8B) that the expression of Gata6 Ad increased dramatically after induction of lung fibrosis by Bleomycin treatment when compared with the control treated mice (FIG. 8C), suggesting that increased expression of the adult isoform could be used for the diagnosis of lung fibrosis.

EXAMPLE 10: EMBRYONIC ISOFORMS OF GATA6 AND NKX2-1 IN LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS Materials and Methods Study Population

All patients were studied according to a protocol approved by the local institutional research ethics committee. Transbronchial biopsy specimens were obtained from the 45 patients who had primary lung tumors in the last five years. Inclusion criteria included primary lung tumor samples including lung adenocarcinoma (Grades 1,2,3), lung squamous cell carcinoma (Grades 1,2,3) and lung small cell carcinoma (Grades 1,2,3). All tumors were graded according to the Bloom-Richardson and the TNM grading system recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. In addition, from 13 patients adjacent normal tissues were also obtained. Secondary lung tumors and lung cancer samples older than 5 years were excluded.

All cases were reviewed by an expert panel of pulmonologists and oncologists according to the current diagnostic criteria for morphological features and immunophenotypes. Specifically, for immunohistochemistry, reactivity to NKX2-1, Cytokeratins (specifically CK5/6/7/8) and MKI67 was evaluated. In addition, for some samples, genetic analysis for EGFR mutations was also performed.

TABLE 1 Classification of cases Original No. Of Pathological No. Of No. Of No. Of diagnosis Cases Diagnosis* Cases Gender Cases Gender Cases Non Small Cell 50 Adenocarcinoma 47 Female 19 Male 20 Lung Cancer Squamous Cell 1 Female 1 Male 0 Carcinoma Large Cell 1 Female 0 Male 1 Carcinoma AdenoSquamous 1 Female 1 Male 0 Carcinoma Small Cell 1 Small cell lung 1 Female 1 Male 0 Lung Cancer cancer *Pathological diagnosis is according to the current diagnostic criteria for morphology, immunohistochemistry and genetic findings.

Supplement Table 1: Clinical characteristics of patients with lung cancer Clinical Characteristic % Patients Age <50 8.8 50-70 46.6% >70 35.5% Gender Male 46.6% Female 53.3% Ethnic group CEU 6.6% CHB 62.2% MXL 31.1% Stage* I-II 50.9% III-IV 49.0% Recurrent disease 6.6% Treatment ongoing at 6.5% biopsy collection *Stage of tumor according to the Bloom Richardson and TNM staging criteria. Percentages may not round up to 100% because of rounding. Exhaled Breath Condensate (EBC) Collection From 10 samples that were currently undergoing diagnostic evaluation for lung cancer, EBC collection was also performed just prior to biopsy collection. Further, healthy EBC was also collected from donor individuals. All participants provided written informed consent.

EBC collection was performed using the RTube (Respiratory Research) as described online (http://www.respiratoryresearch.com/products-rtube-how.htm). Briefly, the aluminum cooling sleeve was cooled to −20° C. and the disposable, sterile RTube was placed in the cooling sleeve. The apparatus was the covered by the insulating cover provided. All donors used a nose clamp to avoid nasal contaminants and breathing was only through the mouthpiece. The collection device consists of a one way valve that directs the air to the collection chamber where vapors, aerosols and moisture in the breath are condensed. Exhaled breath was collected for 10 min for each donor. After this, the mouthpiece was removed and a plunger was used to collect the EBCs. The RTube was placed on top of the standard plunger and slowly pushed down until the RTube reached the bottom of the plunger. Exhaled breath condensates were collected with a pipette and 500 μl aliquots were prepared. EBCs were stored at −80° C. until further use. As a precaution to avoid contaminants from the mouth, subjects were asked to refrain from eating, drinking (except water) and smoking up to 3 hours before EBC collection and were asked to rinse their mouth with fresh water just prior to collection.

Cell Culture and Mouse Experiments

Cell lines used in this study were A549 (CCL-185), A427 (HTB-53), H322 (CRL-5806) and LLC1 (CRL-1642). Cell lines were cultured in medium and conditions recommended by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Cells were used for the preparation of RNA (QIAGEN RNeasy plus mini kit) and protein extracts.

Five to 6 weeks old C57BL6 mice were used throughout this study. Animals were housed under controlled temperature and lighting [12/12-hour light/dark cycle], fed with commercial animal feed and water ad libitum. All experiments were performed according to the institutional guidelines that comply with national and international regulations. For LLC1 cell injection, a cell suspension of 1 million cells/100 μl of medium was prepared. 100 μl of cell suspension was injected into the tail vein of each mouse. The development of tumors was observed after 21 days and lung tumors were harvested for RNA isolation.

RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and gene expression analysis Total RNA was isolated from cell lines using the RNeasy Mini kit (Qiagen). Human lung tumor biopsies were obtained as formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues. 80 μm of tissue in sections of 10 nm was cut and total RNA was isolated using the RecoverAll™ Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE (Ambion). For exhaled breath condensates, 500 μl of EBC was used for RNA isolation using the RNeasy Micro Kit (Qiagen) following manufacturer's instructions. cDNA was synthesized from total RNA using the High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription kit (Applied Biosystem) according to manufacturer's instructions. The cDNA was 6 fold diluted and 3.5 μl of the diluted cDNA was used for SYBR green based expression analysis for EBCs and 1 μl for cDNA from cell lines, mice and tumor biopsies (Applied biosystems, power SYBR green). Briefly, lx concentration of the SYBR green master mix was used with 250 nM each forward and reverse primer. The PCR results were normalized with respect to the housekeeping gene TUBA1A. Quantitative real time PCR reactions were performed using SYBR® Green on the Step One plus Real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystems) using the primers specified in the supplementary table 2.

Supplement Table 2 Primer sequences used for the analysis of GATA6 and NKX2-1. Estimation of Receiver-operating- characteristic (ROC) curves Primer Sequence for Primer Sequence for Gene cell lines (5′-3′) tissue, EBC (5′-3′) Gata6 Em CTCGGCTTCTCTCCGCGCC TTGACTGACGGCGGCTGGT Fwd TG G Gata6 Em AGCTGAGGCGTCCCGCAGT CTCCCGCGCTGGAAAGGCT Rev TG C Gata6 Ad GCGGTTTCGTTTTCGGGGA AGGACCCAGACTGCTGCCC Fwd C C Gata6 Ad AAGGGATGCGAAGCGTAGG CTGACCAGCCCGAACGCGA Rev A G Nkx2-1 AAACCTGGCGCCGGGCTAA CAGCGAGGCTTCGCCTTCC Em Fwd A C Nkx2-1 GGAGAGGGGGAAGGCGAAG TCGACATGATTCGGCGGCG Em Rev CC G Nkx2-1 Ad AGCGAAGCCCGATGTGGTC TCCGGAGGCAGTGGGAAGG Fwd C C Nk2-1 Ad CCGCCCTCCATGCCCACTT GACATGATTCGGCGGCGGC Rev TC T

Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves were estimated for the 59 biopsies. Em/Ad ratios were categorized into five groups, in order to adequately separate the points on the ROC curve. (For GATA6, the range was <0.5; 0.5-0.8; 0.8-1.1; 1.1-2; and >2 while for NKX2-1, <0.4; 0.4-0.8; 0.8-1.2; 1.2-2; >2.)

ROC curve analysis was performed using the web based calculator for ROC curves, ROC Analysis (Eng J. ROC analysis: web-based calculator for ROC curves. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University [updated 2014 Mar. 19; cited Apr. 25, 2014]. Available from: http://www.jrocfit.org.). The area under the empirical ROC curve was calculated by the trapezoid (nonparametric) method.

Statistical Analysis

Samples were analyzed at least in triplicates and cell line and mouse experiments experiments were performed three times. Statistical analyses were performed using Excel Solver. The data are represented as mean±Standard Error (mean s.e.m) and for human samples, each point on the graph represents an individual sample while the horizontal line represents the median±Standard Error (median±s.e.m.). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the levels of difference between the groups and P values for significance.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, accounting for an estimated 1.6 million deaths out of 1.8 million cases in 2012 (Globacon 2012). The incidence pattern of lung cancer closely parallels the mortality rate because of persistently low patient survival. There are two major classes of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, representing 85% of all lung cancers) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, the remaining 15%) (Herbst R S et al., (2008) N Engl J Med 359(13): 1367-80). Depending on the histological characteristics, NSCLC is further divided into three major subtypes; squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form and has approximately 40% prevalence, followed by squamous cell and large cell carcinoma that have 25% and 10% prevalence respectively (Hoffman P C et al., (2000) Lancet 355(9202): 479-85).

Clinical manifestations of lung cancer are diverse and patients are mostly asymptomatic at early stages. Symptoms, even when present, are non-specific and mimic more common benign etiologies, including persistent cough, dyspnea, hoarseness, chest pain, weight loss and fatigue (Hyde L and Hyde Cl, (1974) Chest 65(3): 299-306). Traditional diagnostic strategies for lung cancer include imaging tests, including chest X-rays, histological analysis, including sputum cytology, and tissue biopsies (Strauss G M and Dominioni L, (2013) J Surg Oncol 108(5): 294-300; D'Urso V et al., (2013) J Cell Physiol 228(5): 945-51; Travis W D et al., (2013) Arch Pathol Lab Med 137(5): 668-84). Most of these tests are performed only after the development of symptoms, frequently at advanced stages of the disease when patient prognosis is poor as shown by a low five-year patient survival of 1-5% (Herbst R S et al., (2008) N Engl J Med 359(13): 1367-80). Strikingly, patient survival increases to almost 52% if lung cancer is diagnosed early (Herbst R S et al., (2008) N Engl J Med 359(13): 1367-80), demonstrating that early diagnosis of lung cancer is decisive to increase the probability of a successful therapy. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for lung cancer initiation is extremely important.

It is proposed herein that many of the mechanisms involved in embryonic development are recapitulated in lung cancer initiation. Therefore, new experimental approaches based on studies of embryonic development are provided herein to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for lung cancer initiation.

Consistently, two transcription factors that are key regulators of embryonic lung development, such as GATA6 (GATA Binding Factor 6) and NKX2-1 (NK2 homeobox 1, also known as Ttf-1, Thyroid transcription factor-1) (Keijzer R et al., (2001) Development 128(4): 503-11; Kolla V et al., (2007) Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 36(2): 213-25; Zhang Y et al., (2007) Development 134(1): 189-98; Tian Y et al., (2011) Development 138(7): 1235-45), have been implicated in lung cancer formation and metastasis (Guo M et al., (2004) Clin Cancer Res 10(23): 7917-24; Gorshkova E V et al., (2005) Biochemistry (Mosc) 70(10): 1180-4; Lindholm P M et al., (2009) J Clin Pathol 62(4): 339-44; Winslow M M et al., (2011) Nature 473(7345): 101-4; Cheung W K et al., (2013) Cancer Cell 23(6): 725-38; Chen P M et al., (2013) Carcinogenesis 34(11): 2655-63).

Here it is shown that two different mRNAs are expressed from both GATA6 and NKX2-1. Furthermore the expression of both transcripts from the same gene is complementary and differentially regulated during embryonic lung development as well as in lung cancer. One transcript is expressed in early stages of embryonic lung development (embryonic isoform, Em-isoform), whereas the second transcript is expressed in late stages and in adult lung (adult isoform, Ad-isoform). Herein an enrichment of the Em-isoform in lung tumors is demonstrated, even at early stages of cancer, making the detection of these embryonic specific transcripts a powerful tool for early cancer diagnosis. Moreover, isoform specific expression analysis of GATA6 and NKX2-1 is demonstrated herein in exhaled breath condensates (EBCs). The Em- by Ad-expression ratio in each sample can be used as a non-invasive, specific and sensitive method for both early lung cancer diagnosis and identification of high risk patients.

Study Population.

59 lung biopsies and 20 EBCs that were collected in three different cohorts located in different continents (America, Asia and Europe) were analyzed allowing us to investigate ethnic differences. The patients were studied according to a protocol approved by the institutional review board and ethical committee of the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Oaxaca (HRAEO), C.P. 71256, Oaxaca, Mexico; Union Hospital, Hong Kong; and Universitätsklinikum Giegen and Marburg, Germany. The cases were reviewed by our panel of expert lung pathologists in the different cohorts according to current criteria of the WHO.

To develop a diagnostic test based on the Em- Ad-expression ratio of GATA6 and NKX2-1, initially 39 cases were analysed that were originally diagnosed as NSCLC and confirmed as such by the pathological review. The qRT-PCR based expression analysis of the samples was in accord with the pathological diagnosis in all of the 39 cases.

Embryonic Isoforms of GATA6 and NKX2-1 are Highly Expressed in Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines and in a Mouse Model of Experimental Metastasis.

In silico analysis of GATA6 and NKX2-1 revealed a common gene structure (FIG. 12A, top). Two promoters were predicted in each of the genes, one 5′ of the first exon and the other in the first intron. Further analysis showed that each of the predicted promoters was surrounded by CpG islands (greater than 200 bp, with more than 50% CG), suggesting that these might be epigenetically regulated functional promoters. Indeed, expression analysis showed that each gene gave rise to two distinct transcripts driven by different promoters (FIG. 12A, bottom). In silico analysis of the same genes in mice demonstrated a similar structure as in humans, which highlights that the identified gene structure was maintained during evolution and is conserved among species, reflecting its relevance.

Quantitative PCR after reverse transcription (qRT-PCR) based expression analysis during mouse lung development revealed that the expression of both isoforms of the same gene was complementary and differentially regulated, with the Em-isoform mainly expressed at early developmental stages while the Ad-isoform at later stages and in adult lung. Isoform specific expression analysis (FIG. 12B) in healthy human lung tissue (Ctrl), human lung adenocarcinoma (A549, A427) and human bronchoalveolar carcinoma (H322) cell lines showed that the expression of the Em-isoform of each one of the genes analyzed was higher than the expression of the Ad-isoform only in the lung cancer cell lines. In the healthy human lung tissue, we observed the opposite results, in which the Ad-isoforms expression was higher than the Em-isoforms expression. In addition, western blot (WB) analysis of protein extracts from A549 cells using NKX2-1- or GATA6-specific antibodies (FIG. 12C) confirmed that both transcripts of each one of the genes were translated into proteins of different molecular weight.

In a mouse model of experimental metastasis (FIG. 12D) (Elkin M and Vlodaysky I, (2001) Curr Protoc Cell Biol Chapter 19: Unit 19.2), in which lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells were injected into the tail vein to induce 21 days later tumor formation in the mouse lung, elevated expression of the Em-isoforms of Gata6 and Nkx2-1 in the tumors was detected when compared to healthy lung tissue (Ctrl).

Summarizing, these results support the hypothesis that the Em-isoforms of GATA6 and NKX2-1 are relevant during lung cancer formation.

Em/Ad Expression Ratios of GATA6 and NKX2-1 as Marker for Lung Cancer Diagnosis.

To confirm that the Em-isoform of GATA6 and NKX2-1 are markers for detection of lung cancer, we turned to human lung biopsies from healthy donors and lung tumor patients (FIG. 13A). The pathological diagnosis of the 59 lung-biopsy specimens was considered the standard against which the molecular diagnosis based on the gene expression analysis was compared. Isoform specific expression analysis based on qRT-PCR showed that the Em-isoforms of GATA6 and NKX2-1 were enriched in the biopsies of lung tumor when compared to the healthy tissue, consistent with the expression analysis in cell culture and in the mouse model of experimental metastasis.

The Ad-isoform expression was used as internal control to minimize the effect of individual variations among the different lung-tumor-biopsy specimens by calculating the Em- by Ad-expression ratio (Em/Ad) of each sample. In healthy lung tissue biopsies, the Em/Ad was 0.642±0.065 (n=20) for GATA6 and 0.475±0.044 (n=20) for NKX2-1. The Em/Ad increased in the lung cancer biopsies to 2.63±0.194 (n=39, P<0.001) for GATA6 and to 2.075±0.22 (n=39; P=0.01) for NKX2-1, supporting that an increased Em/Ad of GATA6 and NKX2-1 can be used as marker for lung cancer diagnosis.

To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the herein provided method for lung cancer diagnosis, a mathematical model was used to perform an unadjusted Receiver-Operating-Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis (FIG. 13B) [12878740] of the 59 biopsies that were analyzed in FIG. 13A. A ROC curve is a plot of the sensitivity versus 1 minus the specificity. Each point along the curve is specific for a particular Em/Ad value from the lung biopsies. The estimated ROC curves showed high sensitivity and high specificity predicting high accuracy for lung cancer diagnosis by using the Em/Ad values of GATA6 and NKX2-1. The elevated Em/Ad values of GATA6 and NKX2-1 in the lung tumor biopsies when compared to the healthy lung tissue were maintained after sample grouping by ethnicity (FIG. 13C) or by gender (FIG. 13D). Furthermore, sample grouping based on TNM classification recommended by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (FIG. 13D) revealed that the Em/Ad of GATA6 and NKX2-1 increased progressively with advancing stages of lung cancer from Grade I (2.395±0.257; P<0.001 for GATA6 and 1.878±0.129; P<0.001 for NKX2-1) through Grade II (3.436±0.243; P<0.001 for GATA6 and 2.589±0.257; P=0.002 for NKX2-1) till Grade III (2.838±0.598; P=0.003 for GATA6 and 3.787±0.392; P<0.001 for NKX2-1).

Detection of Em- and Ad-Isoforms of GATA6 and NKX2-1 in Exhaled Breath Condensate.

EBCs consist of three main components (FIG. 14A): distilled water condensed from the gas phase (>99%), droplets aerosolized from the airway lining fluid and water soluble respiratory gases (the last two make the remaining 1%) (Horvath I et al., (2005) Eur Respir J 26(3): 523-48; Montuschi P, (2007) Ther Adv Respir Dis 1(1): 5-23). EBC is a promising source of biomarkers for, but not only, lung diseases since the droplets contain nonvolatile biomarkers such as adenosine, prostaglandins, leukotriene, cytokines, etc. whereas the respiratory gases should be considered as water soluble volatile biomarkers such as nitrogen oxides that diffuse from both airspace and airway lining fluid (Ho L P et al., (1998) Thorax 53(8): 680-4; Shahid S K et al., (2002) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 165(9): 1290-3; Huszar E et al., (2002) Eur Respir J 20(6): 1393-8; Effros R M et al., (2002) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 165(5): 663-9; Montuschi P et al., (2003) Thorax 58(7): 585-8; Kostikas K et al., (2003) Eur Respir J 22(5): 743-7; Effros R M et al., (2012) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 185(8): 803-4; Davis M D et al., (2012) Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 32(3): 363-75). EBCs are typically collected through cooling devices. Here, two of the most broadly used devices for EBC collection were tested for their suitability for subsequent RNA extraction (FIG. 14B).

Using the same conditions for EBC collection and RNA extraction, the RTube showed a yield of 573±48 ng RNA per 500 μl EBC (n=6) whereas the TurboDECCS showed a lower yield of 292±42 ng RNA per 500 μl EBC (n=6). Thus, we continued collecting the samples with the RTube and tested different EBC volumes to determine the best for RNA extraction (FIG. 14C). The RNA yield increased with the EBC volume following a sigmoid curve that reached a plateau at 573±48 ng RNA using 500 μl EBC. RNA extraction from more than 500 μl EBC did not improve the RNA yield. In addition, conditions for cDNA synthesis by reverse transcription and qPCR amplification were optimized using 500 μl EBC collected with the RTube (data not shown). Using the optimized conditions, we performed an isoform specific expression analysis of GATA6 and NKX2-1 in EBCs from healthy donors and lung cancer patients (FIG. 14D). In healthy donors EBCs, the Em/Ad was 0.475±0.113 (n=20) for GATA6 and 0.456±0.054 (n=20) for NKX2-1. Correlating with the expression analysis in the biopsies, the Em/Ad increased in the EBCs from lung cancer patients to 1.532±0.274 (n=10, P<0.001) for GATA6 and to 2.778±0.292 (n=10; P=0.01) for NKX2-1.

These results support that an increased Em/Ad of GATA6 and NKX2-1 in the EBCs can be used as marker for early lung cancer diagnosis. The specificity of the different qRT-PCR products detected in the EBCs was demonstrated by dissociation curve analysis, electrophoretic gel analysis and sequencing of the different qRT-PCR products (FIGS. 16A-D and 17A-D). Moreover, the estimated ROC curves of the 10 EBCs that were analyzed in FIG. 14D showed high sensitivity and high specificity predicting high accuracy for early lung cancer diagnosis by using the Em/Ad values of GATA6 and NKX2-1.

Correlation of EBC Based Lung Cancer Diagnosis with Classical Methods.

To confirm that an increased Em/Ad of GATA6 and/or NKX2-1 in the EBCs can be used as marker for early lung cancer diagnosis, the patients from which the EBC were obtained were diagnosed using classical methods. FIG. 15 shows representative results. Pulmonary nodules were clearly identified by chest X-ray radiography (CXR, FIG. 15A left) and low-dose helical computed tomography (CT, right) in the patients with elevated Em/Ad of GATA6 and NKX2-1. Furthermore, immunostaining on sections of biopsies from the same patients (FIG. 15B) using antibodies specific for the epithelial maker KRT (pan-cytokeratin) and NKX2-1 demonstrated that the nodules were primary adenocarcinomas of the lung.

To determine that markers that are used for the molecular diagnosis of cancer can be detected in EBC, we analyzed the expression of the oncogene MYC and the tumor suppressor genes CDKN2A (also known as P16 or INK4A) and TP53 in EBCs from healthy donors and tumor patients (FIG. 15C). In healthy donors, expression level of CDKNA2 was 0.6±0.36 (n=5) and it decreased to 0.068±0.09 (n=10; P=0.001). Similarly, for TP53 the expression level in healthy donors was 0.908±0.52 (n=5) which decreased to 0.021±0.03 (n=10; P<0.001) in tumor samples. Consistently, the expression of MYC increased in tumor patients to 0.046±0.034 (n=10) from 0.004±0.002 (n=5; P=0.01). The pathological and molecular diagnosis correlated with the increased Em/Ad of GATA6 and NKX2-1 in all of the 10 cases from which we obtained the EBCs.

EBC is a promising source of biomarkers for lung diseases. In chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and asthma, increase of several inflammatory mediators like adenosines, prostaglandins, leukotriene and cytokines has been determined in EBCs of patients (Huszar E et al., (2002) Eur Respir J 20(6): 1393-8; Shahid S K et al., (2002) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 165(9): 1290-3; Kostikas K et al., (2003) Eur Respir J 22(5): 743-7; Montuschi P et al., (2003) Thorax 58(7): 585-8). In lung cancer, it was shown that cytokines, survivin and cycloxygenase-2, the last two being associated with poor survival in NSCLC, were enriched in EBCs of patients (Kullmann T et al., (2008) Pathol Oncol Res 14(4): 481-3; Carpagnano G E et al., (2010) Lung Cancer 76(1): 108-13). In addition to small mediators, nucleic acid from pathogens has been isolated from EBCs with diagnostic purposes (Zakharkina T et al., (2011) Respirology 16(6): 932-8; Xu Z et al., (2012) Plos One 7(7): e41137). Furthermore, using genomic DNA isolated from EBCs from lung cancer patients, both promoter hypermethylation of the tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A and gene mutations in TP53 were detected (Gessner C et al., (2004) Lung Cancer 43(2): 215-22; Xiao P et al., (2014) Lung Cancer 83(1): 56-60).

Herein it is demonstrated that RNA isolated from EBC can be used for qRT-PCR based isoform specific expression analysis of GATA6 and NKX2-1 to determine the Em- by Ad-expression ratio as a non-invasive, specific and sensitive method for early lung cancer diagnosis. 59 lung biopsies and 20 EBCs from three cohorts located in different continents were analyzed and an increased Em/Ad of GATA6 and NKX2-1 was determined in NSCLC samples independent of the ethnic group, the gender and NSCLC subtype. Furthermore, a direct correlation between the Em/Ad value and the cancer stage was determined suggesting that the level of increase of Em/Ad may be an indicator for the stage of the disease.

Early lung cancer diagnosis is crucial to improve patient prognosis. The ROC curve analysis presented herein showed high sensitivity and high specificity predicting high accuracy for lung cancer diagnosis by using the Em/Ad values of GATA6 and NKX2-1. Thus, the method provided herein can be used in the screening of high risk groups, such as those that have a hereditary history and/or are exposed to tobacco smoke, environmental smoke, cooking fumes, indoor smoky coal emissions, asbestos, some metals (e.g. nickel, arsenic and cadmium), radon (particularly amongst miners) and ionizing radiation (IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risk Chem Hum (1986) 38:35-394; Xu Z Y et al., (1989) J Natl Cancer Inst 81(23): 1800-6; Zhong L et al., (1999) Cancer Causes Control 10(6): 607-16). Currently, CT and CXR are used to screen such high risk group individuals. CT imaging has been shown to be considerably superior to CXR in the identification of small pulmonary nodules (Henschke Cl et al., (1999) Lancet 354(9173): 99-105). However, despite the success of CT imaging for early lung cancer diagnosis, it suffers from serious limitations, including a high detection rate of benign non calcified nodules (>50% of participants) resulting in follow-up CT scans, biopsies and frequently unnecessary resection of the benign non calcified nodules (Jett J R, (2005) Clin Cancer Res 11(13 Pt 2): 4988s-4992s). Implementation of the herein provided (EBC) based molecular diagnosis will improve and complement the success of CT and CXR for early lung cancer diagnosis.

Microarray based analysis of tumor samples not only led to identification of gene expression profiles that are associated with NSCLC subtypes (Bhattacharjee A et al., (2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98(24): 13790-5; Meyerson M and Carbone D, (2005) J Clin Oncol 23(14): 3219-26) but also predicted with relatively high accuracy the clinical outcome (Beer D G et al., (2002) Nat Med 8(8): 816-24; Chen H Y et al., (2007) N Engl J Med 356(1): 11-20). Although the method provided herein did not discriminate between different NSCLC subtypes, it will be superior to previous approaches of molecular and clinical lung cancer diagnosis due to its higher sensitivity and accuracy, straightforward and fast protocol, non-invasiveness and relative low price. A combination of the method provided herein with the existing clinical and molecular methods of lung cancer diagnosis can help to predict the response to specific therapies with the goal of tailoring personalized treatments. The diagnostic method may also be useful to monitor the effect of an anti-cancer therapy by detecting a reduction of the Em/Ad ratio of GATA6 and NKX2-1, thereby allowing to determine whether the therapy has a positive effect.

EXAMPLE 10: INHIBITORS OF EMGATA6 IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

In order to analyze the specificity and efficiency of siRNAs targeted to each isoform (FIG. 18A), mouse lung epithelial cell line (MLE-12) cells were transiently transfected with siRNAs directed to each isoform (siGata6 Em, siGata6 Ad) and a scrambled siRNA (siCtrl). Cells were harvested 48 hours after transfection and total RNA was isolated. Isoform specific gene expression analysis showed that the siRNA against each isoforms were highly specific and efficient, resulting in significant reduction of their respective target transcript with minimal off target effects to the other isoform. For instance, siGata6 Em induced 90% reduction of Gata6Em transcript while no significant reduction of the Gata6Ad transcript was observed (12%) when compared to the siCtrl transfected cells. Similarly, siGata6 Ad induced 50% reduction of its target transcript while no change for the Gata6 Em transcript was observed. To further analyse the functional role of the isoforms, MLE-12 were transfected with siCtrl, siGata6 Em or siGata6 Ad and allowed to grow to form a confluent monolayer (FIG. 12B). A scratch was made (0 hr) and cells were observed microscopically every 12 hours for closure of the scratch or “wound healing”. It was observed that while the cells transfected with siCtrl and siGata6 Ad were comparable in their ability to close the scratch at 24 hr, cells transfected with siGata6 Em showed reduced ability to close the scratch suggesting reduced cell proliferation and/or reduced cell migration.

In a mouse model of experimental metastasis (FIG. 7A) (Elkin M and Vlodaysky I, (2001) Curr Protoc Cell Biol Chapter 19: Unit 19.2), in which lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells were injected into the tail vein to induce 21 days later tumor formation in the mouse lung, elevated expression of the Em-isoform of Gata6 in the tumors was detected when compared to healthy lung tissue (Ctrl) (FIG. 12D). Thus, to analyze the therapeutic potential of isoform specific loss of function (LOF) of Gata6 Em, adult mice were injected with LLC1 cells in the tail vein. Three days after tail vein injection, mice were orotracheally administered siCtrl or siGata6 Em. At day 21, lungs were prepared from the mice and isoform specific gene expression analysis was performed using total lung RNA (FIG. 18C). Gata6 Em expression was reduced approximately 70% after orotracheal administration of siGata6 Em when compared to the mice that were treated with siCtrl. Expression of Gata6 Ad was not significantly affected by Gata6 Em LOF supporting the specificity of the herein provided system.

Further, macroscopic gross tumor formation (FIG. 7B, top, arrows) was significantly reduced in mice treated with siGata6 Em when compared to the mice treated with siCtrl. In addition, a more than 80% reduction in the number of surface tumors was observed (bottom left; P=0.002; n=5) in mice treated with siGata Em. Microscopic (bottom right) and histological analysis (Figure XF) revealed that in addition to the number of tumors, the size of tumors was also significantly reduced in mice treated with siGata6 Em. Summarizing, the data presented herein support that the inhibition of Gata6 Em is a good approach for targeted therapy against lung cancer.

EXAMPLE 11: INTEGRIN BETA 2 AND 6 ARE MEMBRANE PROTEINS OF ALVEOLAR TYPE II CELLS Material and Methods Cell Culture

Primary alveolar type II cells (ATII cells) were isolated from C57BL/6 mice as previously described [PMID:22856132] with minor modifications. Crude cells suspensions from the lungs were prepared by intratracheal instillation of agarose containing Dispase (B D Heidelberg, cat. #354235) followed by mechanical disaggregation of the lungs. Crude cell suspensions were purified by negative selection using a system consisting of biotinylated antibodies (Biotin anti-mouse CD16/CD32, cat. #553143; Biotin anti-mouse CD45 (30-F11), cat. #553078, both from BD Biosciences), streptavidin coated magnetic beads (Promega, cat. # Z5481) and a magnetic separator stand (Promega, cat # Z5410). Purified ATII cells were seeded on fibronectin coated cell culture dishes and cultured up to 3 days in D-MEM/F-12 (1:1) (Life Technologies GmbH, cat. #31330038) supplemented with 10% FCS and 1% Penicillin/Streptomycin (Pen/Strep, Gibco, 15070) in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 37° C.

Mouse epithelial lung cells (MLE-12, ATCC CRL-2110), mouse normal lung cells (MLg, ATCC CCL-206) and mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3, ATCC CRL-1658) were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. Mouse fetal lung mesenchyme cells (MFLM-4) were obtained from Seven Hills Bioreagents. All cell lines were cultured following the supplier instructions. MLE-12 cells were transiently transfected with Itgb2-YFP expression plasmid (Addgene, cat. #8638) using Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent (Invitrogen) at a ratio of 1:2 of DNA:Lipofectamine according to the manufacturer instructions. Cells were harvested 48 h after transfection for further analysis. Where indicated, MLE-12 cells were treated with Lithium Chloride (LiCl, 20 mM for 8 h) to activate the WNT signaling pathway.

Animal Experiments

C57BL/6 mice (stock #002644, Jackson Laboratories; (Xiang et al., 1990) were obtained from Charles River Laboratories at 5 to 6 week of age and Itgb2^(−/−) (132 Integrin-deficient, B6.129S7-Itgb2^(tm2Bay)/J, stock #003329, [8700894]) were obtained from Jackson Laboratory. Animals were housed and bred under controlled temperature and lighting [12/12-hour light/dark cycle], fed with commercial animal feed and water ad libitum. All experiments were performed with 6-8 week old mice according to the institutional guidelines that comply with national and international regulations. The lungs of wild type and Itgb2^(−/−) mice were harvested and used for RNA isolation, protein isolation, flow cytometry analysis and/or immunohistochemistry.

Metabolic labeling of living C57BL/6 mice was achieved by a diet containing a nonradioactive-labeled isotopic form of the amino acid lysine ((13)C6-lysine, heavy). The administration of a heavy lysine containing diet for one mouse generation leads to a complete exchange of the natural isotope (12)C6-lysine (light) in the cellular proteins. The fully labeled SILAC (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture) mice were used as a heavy “spike-in” standard into nonlabeled ATII- or MLE-12 cells samples during global proteomic screening with high-performance mass spectrometers.

Membrane Protein Isolation

ATII cells or MLE-12 cells were mixed with lung tissue from SILAC-mice at a ratio of 1:1 (wet weight:wet weight). The membrane proteins of these mixtures were isolated as previously described [PMID:19848406 and 19153689]. After isolation, membrane protein fractions were solubilized in 0.1 M TRIS/HCl pH 7.6 containing 2% SDS and 50 mM DTT.

Mass Spectrometry: Sample Preparation, Methods and Data Analysis

Solubilized membrane protein fractions were prepared for proteome analysis by FASP (filter-aided sample preparation) as previously described [PMID:19377485].

Reverse phase nano-LC-MS/MS was performed by using an Agilent 1200 nanoflow LC system (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, Calif.) using a cooled thermostated 96-well autosampler. The LC system was coupled to LTQ-Orbitrap instrument (Thermo Fisher Scientific) equipped with a nano-electro-spray source (Proxeon, Denmark). Chromatographic separation of peptides was performed in a 10 cm long and 75 μm C18 capillary needle. The column was custom-made with methanol slurry of reverse-phase ReproSil-Pur C18-AQ 3 μm resin (Dr. Maisch GmbH). The tryptic peptide mixtures were auto-sampled at a flow rate of 0.5 μl/min and then eluted with a linear gradient at a flow rate 0.25 μl/min. The mass spectrometer was operated in the data-dependent mode to automatically measure MS and MS/MS spectra. LTQ-FT full scan MS spectra (from m/z 350 to 1750) were acquired with a resolution of r=60,000 at m/z=400. The five most intense ions were sequentially isolated and fragmented in the linear ion trap by using collision-induced dissociation with collision energy of 35%. Further mass spectrometric parameters: spray voltage of 2.4 kV, no sheath gas flow, and capillary temperature was 200° C.

For data analysis we used the MaxQuant software tool (Version 1.2.0.8). The measured raw data were processed and quantitated as described [Cox et al. Nature Biotech 2009 & nature protocols 2009]. For Gene Ontology functional analysis of the data, the GORILLA online-tool was used in target and background mode for ATII enriched proteins (Eden, BMC Bioinformatics, 2009).

Semiquantitative and Quantitative RT-PCR.

Total RNA was isolated with RNeasy® plus mini kit (Qiagen). cDNA was synthesized from total RNA using the High Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription kit (Applied Biosystem) according to manufacturer's instructions. The PCR results were normalized with respect to the housekeeping gene Gapdh. Quantitative real time PCR reactions were performed using SYBR® Green on the Step One plus Real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystem).

Western Blot

Protein concentrations were determined using BCA kit (Sigma). Western blot was performed using standard methods [22753500]. Immunodetection of blotted proteins was performed using ITGB2−, ITGB6−, CD14−, CD45−, AXIN2−, BMP4−, MYCN−, ABC− (all from Millipore) and LMNB1− (Santa Cruz) specific primary antibodies, the corresponding HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies, an enhanced chemiluminescent substrate (SuperSignal West Femto, Thermo Scientific) and a luminescent image analyzer (Las 4000, Fujifilm).

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Single Cell Suspension of the Lungs

Lung single cell suspensions were generated and analyzed by flow cytometry as previously described [21985786] with minor modifications. Primary antibodies used were Pro-SFTPC (Millipore), ITGB2-CD18/APC (BioLegend, 0.5 mg/mL), ITGB6/FITC (R&D). Secondary antibodies used were Alexa 488 (BIOTIUM) and Alexa 633 (BIOTIUM). After immunostaining, single cell suspensions were quantified using the 5.0 Zflow cytometer. Data were analyzed with the BD FACS DIVA™ Software Version 3.0. Cells were analysed using BD LSRII flow cytometry. Data were analysed with Weasel or FlowJo software (FlowJo version 7.6.5, USA).

Immunohistochemistry

For cryosections, mouse lungs were harvested and embedded in tissue freezing medium (Polyfreeze, Polysciences Inc.). Sections of 10 μm were prepared on a cryostat (Leica Germany). and post-fixed in 4% PFA for 20 min. Antibody staining was performed following standard procedures. All incubations were performed with histobuffer containing 3% BSA and 0.2% Triton X-100 in 1×PBS, pH 7.4. Non-specific binding was blocked by incubating with 10% donkey serum and histobuffer (1:1 (v/v) ratio) for 45-60 minutes. The sections were then incubated with primary and secondary antibodies for 60 min followed by nuclear staining. The sections were examined with a Zeiss confocal microscope (Zeiss, Germany). Antibodies used were specific against Pro-SFTPC (Millipore), ITGB2/CD18 (R&D system), ITGB6 (R&D system). Secondary antibodies used were Alexa 488 and Alexa 594 (Invitrogen). Draq5 (Invitrogen) was used as nuclear dye.

For paraffin embedded mouse lung tissue, lungs were post-fixed overnight in 1% PFA at 4° C., dehydrated over a graded series of alcohol, and paraffin embedded. Sections of 4 μm were prepared on a microtome (Leica Germany). Antigen retrieval was performed by cooking using a rice-cooker for 20 min in citrate buffer containing 10 mM Sodium citrate, 0.05% Tween 20, pH 6.0. Antibody staining was performed following standard procedures. All incubations and washes were done with 1×PBS. Non-specific binding was blocked by incubating with 5% BSA in 1×PBS for 60 minutes at room temperature. The sections were then incubated with primary and secondary antibodies for 60 min each followed by nuclear staining. Primary antibody used was specific against activated β-CATENIN (Millipore). The sections were examined with a Zeiss confocal microscope (Zeiss Germany).

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using Excel Solver. All data are represented as mean±Standard Error (mean±s.e.m). One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine the levels of difference between the groups and P values for significance. P values after one-way ANOVA,* P≤0.05; ** P<0.01 and *** P<0.001

Results Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Membrane Proteins of ATH and MLE-12 Cells.

FIG. 20A shows a schematic representation of the experimental procedure. Primary ATII cells from adult mouse lung were isolated and cultured as previously described [PMID:22856132]. ATII cells or MLE-12 cells were mixed with lung tissue from SILAC-mice at a ratio of 1:1 (wet weight:wet weight). Membrane proteins of these mixtures were isolated [PMID:19848406 and 19153689] and after adequate sample preparation [PMID:19377485] analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry based proteomic approach. Gene Ontology cellular component (GOCC) terms based analysis of identified proteins after mass spectrometric measurement (FIG. 20B) revealed that over 90% of the proteins are either membrane proteins or related to the Golgi apparatus, a cellular organelle with a high content of endomembrane that is particularly important in the processing of membrane proteins and proteins for secretion. These results support the high efficiency of our membrane protein fractionation; FIGS. 20C and 20D XYZ and FIG. 21 XYZ.

Identification of Potential ATII Cell Specific Membrane Proteins.

The transcriptomes of ATII and MLE-12 cells were determined by Affymetrix microarray based expression analysis. The transcriptome databases and the membrane proteome databases of both cells were cross analyzed (FIG. 22A) by calculating the ratios of expression of the genes in MLE-12 versus ATII cells and comparing them with the respective protein abundance ratio. This cross databases query led to the identification of 16 genes that are highly expressed in ATII cells whose gene products are enriched in the membrane of ATII cells (FIG. 22B). These 16 genes are ITGB2, PTGIS, BASP1, DES, ITGA2, CTSS, PTPRC, ANPEP, FILIP1L, MGLL, OSMR, ITGB6, AGPAT4, ASS1, CSPG4, and CDH11. The identified genes are potential ATII cell surface markers.

Integrin Beta 2 and 6 are Membrane Proteins of a Subpopulation of Alveolar Type H Cells.

We focused our attention on ITGB2 and ITGB6 for further analysis to confirm our results from the membrane proteome and transcriptome analysis. The expression of Itgb2 and Itgb6 was determined in MLg (mouse normal lung cells), MFLM-4 (mouse fetal lung mesenchyme cells), NIH/3T3 (mouse fibroblast), MLE-12 and ATII cells as well as in adult mouse lung by quantitative PCR after reverse transcription (qRT-PCR, FIG. 23A). Itgb2 and Itgb6 are highly expressed only in ATII cells when compared to the other cell lines tested. In contrast, Cox2 expression, another gene that was identified in the membrane proteome approach, was detected not only in ATII but also in MLg and MFLM-4 cells. Sftpc was expressed in ATII and MLE-12 cells, as expected. Consistently, western blot analysis of protein extracts (FIG. 23B) showed that the level of ITGB2 and ITGB6 is high in spleen, lung and ATII cells but not in any of the other cell lines tested. Our results support certain cellular specificity for the expression of Itgb2 and Itgb6. Since ITGB2 and ITGB6 are known to be present in blood cells, we decided to discard the possibility that our data are the result of contamination of the isolated ATII cells with remaining blood cells. Therefore, we tested the presence of two blood cell proteins, CD14 and CD45, in our protein extracts. CD14 and CD45 are present in the spleen protein extract, as expected, but absent in any of the other protein extracts analyzed, ruling out the possibility that our results are due to a contamination of the isolated ATII cells with remaining blood cells.

Flow cytometry analysis after single immunostaining in cell suspensions of adult lungs (FIG. 23C, top and middle) showed that 25% of the cells were ITGB2-positive, 7% were ITGB6-positive and 13% were SFTPC-positive (for each antibody P<0.01; n=4). Interestingly, similar analysis after double immunostaining (FIG. 23C, bottom) revealed that only 5% of the analyzed cells were SFTPC- and ITGB2-positive whereas 6% of the cells were SFTPC- and ITGB6-positive (for each antibody combination P<0.05; n=5), suggesting the existence of at least two different subpopulation of ATII cells in the adult lung. Our results were validated by double immunostaining in sections of adult lung (FIG. 23D) using SFTPC- and either ITGB2- (top) or ITGB6- (bottom) specific antibodies. SFTPC and ITGB2 co-localized in a subpopulation of SFTPC-positive cells of the adult lung. A similar result was obtained for ITGB6.

Integrin Beta 2 Antagonizes WNT Signaling Pathway.

Gene Ontology biological process (GOBP) terms based analysis of identified proteins after mass spectrometric measurement (FIG. 24A) revealed an enrichment of WNT signaling pathway proteins in the membrane of ATII cells. To identify a functional link between our results, we decided to monitor the WNT signaling pathway in the lung of Itgb2^(−/−) mice. Activated beta catenin (ABC) is a mediator of and an indicator for active WNT signaling. Immunostaining for ABC in sections of adult lungs (FIG. 24B-C) demonstrated an enhancement of canonical WNT signaling after Itgb2 knockout (KO) that was further validated by enhanced expression (FIG. 24D) as well as increased protein levels (FIG. 24E) of canonical WNT targets in the adult lung of Itgb2^(−/−) mice when compared to wild type mice (WT). Our results suggest a block release of WNT signaling after Itgb2-KO. To confirm an Itgb2 mediated negative regulation of WNT signaling, we transfected Itgb2 into MLE-12 cells that were either untreated or treated with LiCl to activate WNT signaling (FIG. 24F). Itgb2 reduced the basal level of expression of the WNT targets Axing, Bmp4 and Mycn. Moreover, Itgb2 antagonized the activation of the WNT signaling pathway induced by LiCl-treatment. Our results support the hypothesis of an Itgb2 mediated negative regulation of WNT signaling in the adult lung.

It is shown herein that Itgb2 is required for a negative regulation of WNT signaling in the lung. The previously reported integrin mediated activation of TGFB signaling [21900405, 23046811] suggest the possibility of an integrin mediated counteracting effect between these two signaling pathways that would be of interest for further investigation. A recent publication links a cross talk between WNT and TGFB signaling to pulmonary epithelial cell fate specification [23562608]. A potential integrin mediated cross talk between TGFB and WNT signaling becomes even more interesting within the context of an important biological paradigm, how is the balance between differentiation and self-renewal of progenitor cells. Moreover, given the ability of integrins to modulate both signaling pathways, it may be possible to use them as potential targets to activate these pathways to increase repair and regeneration after lung injury. However, due to the fact that integrins, TGFB and WNT have been involved in pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer one has to be careful before modulating both signaling pathways for this purpose.

EXAMPLE 12

In order to determine whether ATII cells were the cells of origin of the Gata6 Em induced hyperplasia observed we used inducible reporter lines for ATII cells. Sftpc-rtTA/TetOP-Cre//TK-LoxP-LacZ-LoxP-GFP, a triple transgenic mouse that specifically labels ATII cells with green fluorescent protein after induction with Doxycycline (FIG. 25). In these mice; expression of Tet-O transactivator (rtTA) gene is under the control of the surfactant protein C (sftpc) promoter. Sftpc is the most specific marker of lung epithelial Alveolar type II cells. In a Tet-On system, the rtTA protein is capable of binding the operator (TetOP) only if bound by a tetracycline or its derivative doxycycline. Thus the introduction of doxycycline to the system initiates the transcription of the CRE recombinase protein in the ATII cells triple transgenic mice lung and then CRE recombinase protein deletes LacZ flanked by LoxP sites which leads to expression of green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) under the control of thymidine kinase gene (TK) promoter specifically into Alveolar type II cells.

These mice were treated with a Control (Ctrl) or Gata6 Em expression vector mixed with Polyethyleneimine (as in FIG. 4) and 3 days after the first treatment, doxyclycine was administered via water at a concentration of 4 mg/ml. After 7 weeks, we harvested and homogenized the lung from these mice and prepared single cell suspensions (FIG. 25). Lung epithelial cells were isolated following negative selection using antibodies against blood cells, CD16, CD45/32. The isolated cells were cultured in serum free medium supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heaprin in low attachment dishes, allowing the growth of only those cells that have a stem cell like phenotype, or in this case, the highly tumorigenic cancer stem cells. As compared to the cells isolated from the control (Ctrl) treated lungs, Gata6 Em treated lung cells contained a subpopulation of cells that was able to stay in culture for several passages suggesting that these cells have undergone malignant transformation (FIG. 26). In addition, these cell clusters expressed EGFP supporting the hypothesis that these cells originated from ATII cells. To confirm the formation of cancer stem cells, we will investigate the two hallmarks of these cells, i.e. resistance to chemotherapeutic agents (in vitro) and subsequent tumor inducing potential after sub cutaneous injection in mice.

The present invention refers to the following nucleotide and amino acid sequences:

The sequences provided herein are available in the NCBI database and can be retrieved for example from world wide web at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=gene; Theses sequences also relate to annotated and modified sequences. The present invention also provides techniques and methods wherein homologous sequences, and variants of the concise sequences provided herein are used. Preferably, such “variants” are genetic variants.

SEQ ID No. 108:

Nucleotide sequence encoding Homo sapiens ITGB2 (integrin beta 2): Transcript var 1: NM_000211

SEQ ID No. 109:

Nucleotide sequence encoding Homo sapiens ITGB2 (integrin beta 2): Transcript var 2: NM_001127491.1

SEQ ID No. 110:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens ITGB2 (integrin beta 2): Protein: NP_000202.2, NP_001120963.1

SEQ ID NO. 111:

Nucleotide sequence encoding Homo sapiens PTGIS (prostaglandin 12 (prostacyclin) synthase (PTGIS)): Transcript: NM_000961.3

SEQ ID NO. 112:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens PTGIS (prostaglandin 12 (prostacyclin) synthase (PTGIS)): Protein: NP_000952.1

SEQ ID NO. 113:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens BASP1 (brain abundant, membrane attached signal protein 1): Transcript Variant 1: NM_006317

SEQ ID NO. 114:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens BASP1 (brain abundant, membrane attached signal protein 1): Transcript variant 2: NM_001271606

SEQ ID NO. 115:

Amino acid sequences of Homo sapiens BASP1 (brain abundant, membrane attached signal protein 1): Protein: NP_001258535, NP_006308

SEQ ID NO. 116:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens DES (Desmin):Transcript: NM_001927

SEQ ID NO. 117:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens DES (Desmin): Protein: NP_001918

SEQ ID NO. 118:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens ITGA2 (integrin, alpha 2): Transcript: NM_002203

SEQ ID NO. 119:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens ITGA2 (integrin, alpha 2): Protein: NP_002194

SEQ ID NO. 120:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens CTSS (Cathepsin S): Transcript variant 1: NM_004079

SEQ ID NO. 121:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens CTSS (Cathepsin S): Transcript variant 2: NM_001199739

SEQ ID NO. 122:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens CTSS (Cathepsin S): Protein variant 1: NP_004070

SEQ ID NO. 123:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens CTSS (Cathepsin S): Protein variant 2: NP_001186668

SEQ ID NO. 124:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Transcript variant 5: NM_001267798

SEQ ID NO. 125:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Transcript variant 1: NM_002838

SEQ ID NO. 126:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Transcript variant 2: NM_080921

SEQ ID NO. 127:

Nucleic acid sequence of Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Transcript variant 4 (Non coding RNA): NR_052021

SEQ ID NO. 128:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Protein variant 5: NP_001254727

SEQ ID NO. 129:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Protein variant 1: NP_002829

SEQ ID NO. 130:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens PTPRC (protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C): Protein variant 2: NP_563578

SEQ ID NO. 131:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens ANPEP (alanyl (membrane) aminopeptidase): Transcript: NM_001150

SEQ ID NO. 132:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens ANPEP (alanyl (membrane) aminopeptidase): Protein: NP_001141

SEQ ID NO. 133:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens FILIP1L (filamin A interacting protein 1-like): Transcript variant 1: NM_182909

SEQ ID NO. 134:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens FILIP1L (filamin A interacting protein 1-like): Transcript variant 2: NM_014890

SEQ ID NO. 135:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens FILIP1L (filamin A interacting protein 1-like): Transcript variant 3: NM_001042459

SEQ ID NO. 136:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens FILIP1L (filamin A interacting protein 1-like): Protein variant 1: NP_878913

SEQ ID NO. 137:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens FILIP1L (filamin A interacting protein 1-like): Protein variant 2: NP_055705

SEQ ID NO. 138:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens FILIP1L (filamin A interacting protein 1-like): Protein variant 3: NP_001035924

SEQ ID NO. 139:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens MGLL (monoglyceride lipase): Transcript variant 1: NM_007283

SEQ ID NO. 140:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens MGLL (monoglyceride lipase): Transcript variant 2: NM_001003794

SEQ ID NO. 141:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens MGLL (monoglyceride lipase): Transcript variant 3: NM_001256585

SEQ ID NO. 142:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens MGLL (monoglyceride lipase): Protein variant 1: NP_009214

SEQ ID NO. 143:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens MGLL (monoglyceride lipase): Protein variant 2: NP_001003794

SEQ ID NO. 144:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens MGLL (monoglyceride lipase): Protein variant 3: NP_001243514

SEQ ID NO. 145:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens OSMR (oncostatin M receptor): Transcript variant 1: NM_003999

SEQ ID NO. 146:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens OSMR (oncostatin M receptor): Transcript variant 2: NM_001168355

SEQ ID NO. 147:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens OSMR (oncostatin M receptor): Protein Variant 1: NP_003990

SEQ ID NO. 148:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens OSMR (oncostatin M receptor): Protein variant 2: NP_001161827

SEQ ID NO. 149:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens ITGB6 (integrin, beta 6): Transcript: NM_000888

SEQ ID NO. 150:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens ITGB6 (integrin, beta 6): Protein: NP_000879

SEQ ID NO. 151:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens AGPAT4 (1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 4): Transcript: NM_020133

SEQ ID NO. 152:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens AGPAT4 (1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 4): Protein: NP_064518

SEQ ID NO. 153:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens ASS1 (argininosuccinate synthase 1): Transcript variant 1: NM_000050

SEQ ID NO. 154:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens ASS1 (argininosuccinate synthase 1): Transcript variant 2: NM_054012

SEQ ID NO. 155:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens ASS1 (argininosuccinate synthase 1): Protein: NP_000041, NP_446464

SEQ ID NO. 156:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens CSPG4 (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4): Transcript: NM_001897

SEQ ID NO. 157:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens CSPG4 (chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4): Protein: NP_001888

SEQ ID NO. 158:

Nucleic acid sequence encoding Homo sapiens CDH11 (cadherin 11, type 2, OB-cadherin): Transcript: NM_001797

SEQ ID NO. 159:

Amino acid sequence of Homo sapiens CDH11 (cadherin 11, type 2, OB-cadherin): Protein: NP_001788 

1. A method of assessing a lung cell sample or a breath condensate from a subject, said method comprising the steps of a) measuring in the lung cell sample or breath condensate of said subject the amount of specific embryonic and adult transcription factor isoforms by performing detection assay to specifically detect said specific embryonic and adult transcription factor isoforms, wherein said specific embryonic and adult transcription isoforms are i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 11 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 12; and the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or the GATA6 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 5 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 13 and SEQ ID NO: 15 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 14 and SEQ ID NO: 16; and/or ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 19 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 18 and SEQ ID NO: 20; and the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6 or the NKX2-1 Ad isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 6 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 21 and SEQ ID NO: 23 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 22 and SEQ ID NO: 24; b) comparing the amount of said specific embryonic and adult transcription factor isoforms to provide a ratio of the specific embryonic and adult transcription factor isoforms in the lung cell sample or breath condensate; and c) assessing that said subject suffers from cancer or is prone to suffering from cancer if the ratio is higher than 0.5 when the transcription factor is GATA 6 and higher than 0.3 when the transcription factor is NKX2-1.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a polymerase chain reaction-based method, an in situ hybridization-based method, or a microarray.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured via a polymerase chain reaction-based method.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of measuring in a lung cell sample or a breath condensate of said subject the amount of a specific transcription factor comprises the contacting of the sample with primers, wherein said primers can be used for amplifying at least one of the specific transcription factor isoforms.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said primers are selected from the group of primers having a nucleic acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NOs 9 to
 40. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step a) further comprises measuring in the lung cell sample or the breath condensate of said subject the amount of one or two further specific transcription factor isoform(s) selected from the group of specific transcription factor isoforms consisting of i) the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 3 or the FOXA2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 68 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 3 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 27 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 26 and SEQ ID NO: 28; and ii) the ID2 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 4 or the ID2 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 34 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 4 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 33 and SEQ ID NO: 35 or by a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 34 and SEQ ID NO:
 36. 7. (canceled)
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured on the polypeptide level.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the amount of said specific transcription factor isoform(s) is measured by an ELISA, a gel- or blot-based method, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry or FACS.
 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said cancer is a lung cancer.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said lung cancer is an adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar carcinoma.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said lung cell sample comprises tumor cells.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said lung cell sample is a blood sample, a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample, a mucus sample or a phlegm sample.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said subject is a human subject.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said human subject is a subject having an increased risk for developing cancer.
 17. A method of treating a subject, said method comprising a) assessing a lung cell sample or a breath condensate from the subject according to the method of claim 1; and b) administering to said subject an effective amount of an anti-cancer agent and/or radiation therapy.
 18. The method of treating a patient according to claim 17, wherein said anti-cancer agent is an isoform specific siRNA of i) the GATA6 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1 or the GATA6 Em isoform nucleic acid sequence with up to 55 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 1 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 11 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 12; or ii) the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 2 or the NKX2-1 Em isoform comprising a nucleic acid sequence with up to 39 additions, deletions or substitutions of SEQ ID NO: 2 and capable of hybridizing a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 17 and SEQ ID NO: 19 or a primer pair having SEQ ID NO: 18 and SEQ ID NO:
 20. 19. The method of treating a subject according to claim 17, wherein said subject is a subject suffering from lung cancer.
 20. The method of treating a subject according to claim 19, wherein said lung cancer is a lung adenocarcinoma or a bronchoalveolar carcinoma. 21.-27. (canceled)
 28. The method according to claim 5, wherein said primers comprise primers having a nucleic acid sequence as set forth in: (i) SEQ ID NO: 10 and SEQ ID NO: 12; (ii) SEQ ID NO: 14 and SEQ ID NO: 16; (iii) SEQ ID NO: 18 and SEQ ID NO: 20; or (iv) SEQ ID NO: 22 and SEQ ID NO:
 24. 29. The method according to claim 3, wherein said polymerase chain reaction-based method is a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.
 30. The method according to claim 1, wherein the measuring is performed on the nucleic acid level by contacting the lung cell sample or the breath condensate with primers specific for said specific transcription isoforms; or wherein the measuring is performed on the polypeptide level by an ELISA, a gel- or blot-based method, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry or FACS.
 31. The method according to claim 17, wherein the lung cell sample or the breath condensate is a breath condensate from the subject.
 32. The method according to claim 17, wherein the lung cell sample is a blood sample, a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample, a mucus sample or a phlegm sample. 